Innovation often springs from recognizing that sometimes, the solution isn't as simple as what users initially articulate.
Henry Ford's famous quote, "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses," illustrates this concept perfectly.
Back in the 1900s, the problem seemed straightforward: reduce travel time. Yet, the solution required a paradigm shift beyond just faster horses.
How should the solution be?
The solutions requires desirable (meeting user needs), feasible (technically possible), and viable (good for business) methodology aimed at curating the essence for 'triple criteria' regarded as 'Design Thinking'.
What exactly is a “Wicked Problem”?
But before we dive into the framework let’s understand what we mean by a “Wicked Problem”.
Design theorists Horst Rittel and Melvin Webber describe it as complex social or cultural problems with an unknown set of potential consequences which have interconnected causes and effects, uncertain outcomes, and differing stakeholder perspectives.
Educational disparities, poverty, sustainability, and digital transformation are prime examples of such problems.
Design Thinking: A Tool to Tame Wicked Problems
To tackle these wicked problems head-on, renowned organizations like Stanford University, IDEO, and the American for the Arts have turned to Design Thinking methodologies. Stanford's 5-stage framework is a personal preference I utilize and recommend.
Here's a breakdown of the 5-stage Design Thinking methodology:
Empathize: Put yourself in the shoes of the users. Understand the challenges from their perspective, not from the organization's point of view. The goal isn't to push products but to create solutions that truly meet consumer needs.
Define: Analyze and synthesize consumer feedback to distill the core problem into a concise 'problem statement'. This step sets the foundation for the entire design process.
Ideate: Explore a wide array of innovative results. Encourage brainstorming and out-of-the-box thinking to generate fresh perspectives for the problems at hand.
Prototype: Experiment with low-cost solutions. Whether it's a tangible product or a non-technical concept, create mock up models—be it on paper or digitally—to visualize and refine the framework.
Test: Once the prototype is ready, gather feedback from actual consumers. Iterate on the design based on their insights, recognizing that design is a repetitive process.
Remember, Design Thinking isn't a one-time fix; it's an ongoing journey of iteration and refinement. By embracing this methodology, organizations can navigate the complexities of wicked problems and pave the way for innovative solutions that truly make a difference.
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