This document discusses effective design thinking strategies for product managers. It begins by defining design thinking as a methodology that centers user needs in decision making. It involves understanding users, challenging assumptions, and identifying alternative solutions through prototyping and collaboration. The document then outlines six strategies for effective design thinking: 1) Identify diverse stakeholders, 2) Get stakeholders focused on objectives, 3) Focus on outcomes not outputs, 4) Create an inspiring environment for ideation, 5) Ensure necessary supplies are available, and 6) Lead the group through the session and consolidate ideas. The document is from Product School on their design thinking training courses and corporate programs.

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Leading with Design Thinking: What
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6. LEADING WITH DESIGN THINKING:
WHAT EFFECTIVE PMS DO DIFFERENTLY
Adeyanju Lawal
yanjulawal01@gmail.com

7. CONTENT
• Introductions
• Definitions
• Design thinking strategies
• Questions
• Practical

8. LET’S GET TO MEET EACH OTHER

9. TAKE NOTE

10. WHAT IS DESIGN THINKING
Before we dive in, let’s define the term:
• First, design thinking. Design thinking is a methodology that puts the user or
customer at the center of decision making
•Design Thinking is a process of understanding the user, challenging assumptions,
and redefining problems in an attempt to identify alternative strategies and
solutions
•Design thinking focuses on prototyping and testing ideas, as well as working in a
highly collaborative manner with a cross-disciplinary team.
https://www.interaction-design.org

11. DESIGN THINKING PROCESS

12. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

13. EFFECTIVE DESIGN THINKING
STRATEGIES FOR A PM
1) Identify key stakeholders:
Their ideas are critical to the
success of your solution
Tip: Make sure that you have diversity in skills,
expertise, attitude, personalities etc. The more
points-of-view that are represented, the better your
solutions will be.
Also, consider the number of participants. Typically,
somewhere between 7–15 is perfect.

14. 2) Get stakeholders Focused
on the objective:
Let them know what you
need to accomplish ahead
of time
Tip: Schedule a 15–60 minutes conversation with
each stakeholder before your design thinking
session to make sure you are on the same page
about what you want to accomplish
EFFECTIVE DESIGN THINKING
STRATEGIES FOR A PM

15. 3) Focus on Outcomes, not
Outputs
Clarify and define the
objective of the session
Tip/note: Ensure that discussions are driven with the
focus to come out of your design thinking session with
solutions.
Also, be ready to double the time you imagine an
individual activity will take, it will most likely exceed
your planned duration
EFFECTIVE DESIGN THINKING
STRATEGIES FOR A PM

16. 4) Create a conducive
environment for ideation
A good location inspires great
ideas
Tip/note: The space where you host your session
contributes to the day’s success.
If you can, get participants out of their office to inspire
fresh thinking and distance from day-to-day work
EFFECTIVE DESIGN THINKING
STRATEGIES FOR A PM

17. 5) Ensure you have the
required supplies for a
successful ideation session
Tip: Some helpful supplies are:
Plain A4 paper
Large Post-its
Small Post-its notes
A timer/clock
Pens/pencils
Sharpies
EFFECTIVE DESIGN THINKING
STRATEGIES FOR A PM

18. 6) Be the leader and take
charge!
Lead the group through the
session
Tip: Establish your authority early and feel confident
making decisions and telling the group when it’s time
to move onto the next activity
You are also responsible for letting everyone have
their voice heard
EFFECTIVE DESIGN THINKING
STRATEGIES FOR A PM

19. 6) Consolidate the ideas and
share the outcomes
Lead the group through the
session
Tip: Take time to reflect on the session and the big
ideas that came out of it. Synthesize these findings in
a digestible fashion like a short presentation or a
board and translate them into actionable
insights/solutions
EFFECTIVE DESIGN THINKING
STRATEGIES FOR A PM

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