WHAT IS DESIGN THINKING AND HOW CAN IT ADD VALUE TO YOUR BUSINESS?

Design Thinking is a human-centred approach to problem solving and product development.

As a digital transformation consultancy, Design Thinking is at the core of our product and service design process. The explorative nature of Design Thinking helps us get to the root of our clients’ problems. By putting the focus on the user and the research, we can create effective and impactful solutions, as opposed to cosmetic ones.

The significant difference between a Design Thinking approach and traditional methods of product design or problem solving is that, in this method, the design process always begins with understanding users’ problems or needs. This understanding better positions the team to create a successful and sustainable design solution – whether that is a product, a service or a new policy.

Design Thinking is also employed in processes like Digital Transformation and Service Design as it enables organizations to generate new viable ideas.

THE DOUBLE-DIAMOND FRAMEWORK

The Design Thinking process is iterative and places a strong emphasis on learning-by-doing and co-creation. Based on research by the U.K. Design Council, the Double Diamond framework divides the Design Thinking process into four distinct phases: Discover, Define, Design and Deliver.

We co-created a 10-week online Design Thinking course with Red and Yellow Creative School of Business. Perfect for business owners who want a competitive edge and managers who seek to encourage a culture of innovation.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COURSE HERE

CASE STUDIES

SmartFill Dispenser

First developed for the informal market, we worked with Smollan to develop an innovative product dispenser that allows customers to bring their own containers to buy products, in amounts they can afford. Based on this idea we created the SmartFill Dispenser, which allows retailers to offer their customers a packaging-free purchasing experience at scale, while at the same time increasing the effectiveness of their floor space through vertical stacking and real-time stock levels per dispenser.

READ MORE ABOUT THE SMART DISPENSER

Service Design Project With Susu

Over 18 months, the dY/dX team worked with entrepreneur Bola Bardet and a global team of consultants to design a healthcare solution for the African diaspora living in France to care for their families back home.

RE:SOLVE Challenge

We collaborated with The Craft + Design Institute to run a Design Thinking challenge. Sponsored by The City of Cape Town to promote entrepreneurship, The Re:solve Challenge used Design Thinking methodologies to help entrants develop new business ideas, while providing funding for prototypes. The business ideas were focused on providing new solutions to challenges exposed or heightened as a result of COVID-19.

READ MORE ABOUT SOCIAL INNOVATION USING DESIGN THINKING