Design Thinking uses techniques to determine the viability and feasibility of products and processes. While Human-Centered Design theory uses tools to empathize with the customer. Design Thinking moves beyond empathy to create solution options to problems.
Which one do you need?
Design Thinking determines your direction when you work on creating a change or seeking an improvement, and human-centered design fine-tunes the details through iteration before and after it is in the users’ hands.
Design Thinking is a collaborative process to consider all solutions worth exploring – often leading to innovation. Human-Centered Design helps your team make the best possible version of a product or process that considers inclusion and user experience.
Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design are both iterative processes that have user empathy at their core. Products and processes need to be focused on the customer – whether that is an internal department supporting employees or external products being purchased by customers or services being provided to citizens.
Design Thinking uses a variety of tools; a subset of those tools from Human-Centered Design theory. Journey Maps and Empathy Maps along with personas are all tools that could be used in the Design Thinking process.
Design Thinking concepts are a module in our Business Architecture Certificate Program.
Design Thinking tools are part of the Understanding the Business side of business architecture along with tools such as the Value Proposition Map and Business Model Canvas. The other side of business architecture are tools to move from articulated Strategy to Execution and use tools such has Heat Maps and Value Stream Maps.
Design Thinking theory supports IPD’s work with organizations to create a culture of DEI – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by the helping problem-solvers seek for stakeholders to be hear.