Linear design processes

Design sprint: map, sketch, decide, prototype, test.

Design thinking: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, test.

Double Diamond: discover, define, develop, deliver.

What’s the difference? Is one better for certain things than another?

I see two problems with these & all models; they are linear, and dumb (fixed, unable to respond to change, & isolated, not connected to other models). We need smart (sensing and responding to change, connected and able to communicate, continuously improving) networked models.

So, there’s a journey from not using any models, using dumb models badly, using dumb models well, and then moving on to using smart models which form an evolving ecosystem of models that better reflects our understanding of reality.

A design process is not an innovation process

  • Direct – Choose the problem space
  • Discover – Understand the problem space
  • Define – Select the problem to solve
  • Design – Figure out the solution
  • Develop – Build the solution
  • Deliver – Get the solution working
  • Distribute – Keep using the solution

Design ecosystems for wicked problems.