In recent decades, design has been acknowledged more and more as a valued resource for any organisation. This doesn’t mean employing more designers but in essence success is becoming more determined by how design-minded organisation is. As such, this is to employ the mindset of Design Thinking and creativity. This value has been recognised much for its recognition that can bring to different aspects of the business. Therefore, companies understand more and more that they need to invest in design to stay competitive. What designers do and what Design thinking can bring are the following:
Designers have a user and human centered approach
Designers are able to understand the needs and desires of the customer or user, by doing primary research. The solutions are then validated and are fit for purpose and desirable to those that use them. Design Thinking enables the designer to encourage user stories and gain insights they will only find from the users themselves.
Designers value prototyping
Testing ideas are very important for lowering the risk of investment of time and resources made on a solution that is not adopted. A designer works iteratively to test ideas and improve them throughout the development process. Prototyping allows for feedback on an idea or concept, to ensure a more relevant and desirable outcome. If done effectively, prototyping can increase the speed of development.
Designers are naturally visual and good communicators
The beauty behind designers is they can make things visual and tangible – drawing flowcharts and models, sketching out the idea. This allows complex and ambiguous projects to be made simple. In doing so, ideas can be rapidly communicated and creates a medium for a common understanding, between partners, developers, designers and the users.