A toolkit for open collaboration
Download Domain7's Design Thinking Canvas here
The tradition of design thinking is now more than 65 years old. In recent years, as human-centered design is introduced into BC's K-12 curriculum as a critical way of problem-solving, our organizations are recognizing the need to get acquainted with this alternative way of approaching creativity.
Design thinking is a proven method of creative problem-solving and innovation. Consider it a workflow, but also a mindset, to help you approach unsolved problems through co-creation and listening, rather than relying on the "solo genius" to save everyone.
When we choose to involve a community in problem-solving, instead of letting fear or habit keep us in isolation, we've already changed everything. The magic of design thinking is not the tools themselves, it's the mindset of "we."
How Domain7 sees design thinking
Personally: Realize that you have a role to play. What will your leadership stance be?
Problem: Define the scope of the problem you are trying to solve, the community it impacts, and a general vision for the future.
People: Create the space to listen openly with the community, in a non-tokenized way, to understand root needs, and build real empathy.
Possibilities: Co-create future-facing ideas, inspired by unexpected connections (divergence) — then begin to filter and refine until workable, coherent possibilities emerge (convergence).
Prototype: Design a test version of your emerging idea, so you can re-connect it with the people you're trying to serve, and understand if it meets real needs.
Download Domain7's Design Thinking Canvas here
Resources
DESIGN THINKING INSIGHTS FROM OUR TEAM
Domain7's Design Thinking Canvas
Episode 3: Revisiting Design Thinking with guest Stanley Lai
How to Become a Design Thinking Advocate Part 1,2 & 3 by Stanley Lai
Why Design Thinking Makes Business Sense by Stanley Lai
The Co-Design Workshop: the Pocket Facilitator's Guide by Kevan Gilbert
Kevan's "facilitation and co-creation" reading list
Out of our element, into the future by Kevan Gilbert
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
IDEO Human Centered Design Toolkit
We Can Do This: 10 Tools to Unleash Our Collective Genius by Kate Sutherland
Designing for Growth by Darden Business School
Tools for specific moments
PERSONAL: Our leadership stance
The Way We Show Up (Podcast episode)
PROBLEM:
The Way Frame The Problem (Podcast episode)
THNK's Reframe tool (for when you're stuck on the Brief)
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Explore innovation with Domain7
Domain7 is a digital product firm with a vision of making a more empathetic and connected world.
Founded nearly 20 years ago, Domain7 continues to attract a like-minded tribe of changemakers. Domain7 has been called "Canada's best agency to work for," and was also nominated for 2016's BCTIA award for "Emerging company of the year."
Domain7 offers design thinking training sessions as publicly-available community events like this one, or through custom in-company programs. Our staff has learned from leading design thinking organizations, such as IDEO U, Adaptive Path, THNK School of Creative Leadership and Google Ventures.
Please get in touch if you're interested in exploring design thinking for your organization.
How will you use these tools? Drop us a line if you need any help interpreting or adapting any of these approaches to your own context.