Design thinking is a human-centered problem-solving process that uses creative and analytical approaches to generate value. It involves empathizing with users to understand problems, defining the specific problem to address, ideating potential solutions, prototyping ideas, and getting feedback to examine how well a solution works. Design thinking focuses on reframing problems by asking the right questions and using integrative thinking across different perspectives. It has helped companies like Tesla, Airbnb, and TED solve problems and drive innovation through a fearless and hands-on approach.

1. What is
Design Thinking
Presented by Michael Melnick | @UpStart | January 19, 2016
and how can it change your life?

2. The
Selfie
Stick
What do these
innovations
have in
common?

3. Creating value by design
Tesla - Turning a disruptive technology into a desirable one
Airbnb - Making hospitality more hospitable
TED - Making science popular and accessible
The Selfie Stick - Improving self-documentation

4. Design’s Proven ROI
DMI
DESIGN-CENTRIC INDEX
The study tracked
design-led companies in the
US market over 10
years and revealed a
significant financial
advantage in stock value.

5. What is Design?

6. Design is not just what it
looks like or feels like.
Design is how it works.
Steve Jobs

8. A B

9. A B
Design = Change

10. Design as a process
Intent ActionDESIGN

11. Design is the
signal of
human intent
(The first Selfie in history)

12. So, what’s your problem?

13. You cannot
predict what the
end result will be.
The New Challenge:

14. What is
Design Thinking?

15. We cannot solve
our problems using
the same thinking
we used when we
created them.
- Albert Einstein

16. Problem solving based on a systematic, human-centric,
multidisciplinary process that generates value through
creative and analytical thinking.
The Design Thinking
Methodology

18. Design Thinking (Google Search: About 5,080,000 results)

19. Innovation is not Magic,
it can be designed,
it can be taught.

20. Technology
(Feasibility)
Business
(Viability)
Human
Values
(Desirability)
Innovation
Design

21. Design Thinking is not
about solving design
problems, it is about
solving business
problems with the
design process.

22. The Design Thinking Process
EMPATHIZE
DEFINE
PROTOTYPE
EXAMINE
OBSERVE
IDEATE
HUMAN INSIGHT
ITERATIVE PROCESS

23. ● Human-centric: placing the user at the center of the experience
● Re-Framing Problems by asking the right questions
● Integrative thinking in multiple perspectives to solve problems
● Culture and context - an ethnographic approach
● “Hands on approach” - learn by doing - putting ideas to work - fast
● Fearless attitude towards change and playful creativity
Design Thinking Principles

24. 1. Human Centric Focus

27. 2. Reframing: Asking better questions
“We need to find a way to keep incubators
working when power goes out”

28. “How can we keep our
newborn babies warm?”

29. 2. Reframing: Asking better questions

30. 3. The different types of thinking
Analytical
Left Brain
Strategic
Logical
Factual
Reasons
Reliability
Intuitive
Right Brain
Creative
Emotional
Imaginative
Opportunities
Validity

31. 3. Integrative Thinking

32. 4. Culture and Context

35. 4. Ethnography

36. 5. Hands on = Fail Fast
“Tote”?
Have you ever heard of

37. “Tote”
5. Hands on = Fail Fast
“Tote”

39. The best way of learning
about anything is by doing.
- Richard Branson
6. Fearless approach

40. How Can This Help?

41. Translating a human
need or a desire into a
business solution.

42. Be Relevant
Be Authentic
Be Adaptive

43. How can we motivate people to
lead a healthier lifestyle?
Cases of problems solved using
design thinking at IDC
FITBUDDY
Most people find it very difficult
to commit to a steady fitness
routine and spend a lot of
money on gym memberships
that go unused. This app utilizes
social networking to empower
groups of people to workout
together, set group goals and
harness positive social
‘pressure’ for leading a healthier
lifestyle.

44. How can we design technology
that makes us feel safer?
STREETSAFE
Research shows that women are
scared to walk alone in the
streets, particularly at night.
This team developed a mobile
app that acts as a ‘virtual
companion’ with features that
enable simulating conversations
to deter strangers, fast access to
crowded places, and contact
help.
Cases of problems solved using
design thinking at IDC

45. How can we use design thinking
to solve Tel Aviv’s parking issue?
PARKOR
Research shows that most
people find the parking signage
system in Tel Aviv to be
confusing. ParkOr is a
systematic solution using LED
connected light systems built in
the pavement. The team
designed a solution that solves
driver confusion, saves valuable
time and money and make the
city smarter.
Cases of problems solved using
design thinking at IDC

46. About me
● BA Behavioral Science (Ben Gurion University, Be’er Sheva)
● BFA Visual Communication (Vital Center of Design, Tel Aviv)
● MA Design Management (Pratt Institute, New York)
● Co-Founder & Creative Dir. at TalkWise, Brand strategy, Design and Software
● Director of Design Thinking at OPEN / Global and Startup Clients
● Co-Founder at OPEN San Francisco
● Teaching Design Management at Bezalel Graduate School of Design
● Teaching Design Thinking at IDC since 2011
● Co-Founder at The Good Chocolate
Michael Melnick

47. Thank you!
Find out more:
● Twitter: @mikimel
● Facebook.com/designthinkingIsrael
● YouTube: Michael Melnick / Design Thinking (Playlist)