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How to Use Design Thinking to Solve Problems That Require Innovation

In this rapidly changing world, businesses need to be quite creative in coming up with solutions to problems. This is precisely where the concept of Design Thinking applies. It is a methodology that enables an organization to devise new ideas and solutions for the problems presented to them by putting the people they serve in mind.


In our previous blog, we talked about Problems That Require Insight—wherein businesses first need to be aware of the root of the problem before finding its solution based on the insight gained from users. Now, let's shift our attention to Problems That Require Innovation—those challenges that call for altogether fresh approaches.


Problems That Require Insights


Before diving into innovation, let’s recap on what Problems That Require Insight actually are. These are issues where businesses first need to gather and understand customer feedback, behaviors, or market conditions before creating solutions. Once this insight is gained, businesses can move to the next step: innovating and solving these problems in new ways.


To get a deeper understanding of these problems and everything that they encompass, check out our blog on using Design Thinking to Solve Problems That Require Insight.


Illustration of Design Thinking Process

Problems That Require Innovation


Now, let’s shift our focus to the second type of problem that Design Thinking can be used to solve–Problems That Require Innovation.


Problems That Require Innovation are challenges where simply improving the current way of doing things isn’t enough. These problems need creative, new approaches. For example, if a retail store realizes that online shopping is becoming overpowering, improvements in the in-store services alone wouldn’t be enough. They have to think about hybrid experiences, especially merging online and offline services. Such kinds of problems don't get solved by tweaking the existing solutions but require innovative thinking.


Why is Innovation Significant?


All businesses need innovation, as it essentially allows them to be competitive in an ever-changing industry. It is also important because if they don't, they are bound to be left behind.


For instance, a company that continues to release its original product without innovating, while others do innovate, will likely be carved out in the market by its competitors. Innovation alone can forcefully compel growth and ensure continuing success by solving problems in ways that create value for customers.


Examples of Problems that Need Innovation


Let’s take a look at some examples of problems that require innovation to be solved effectively.


  • Shifting Market Landscape: A business currently experiencing a decline in customers to online competitors must come up with a new kind of digital experience that would put it back into relevance. This can be achieved via innovation and fresh approaches.

  • Sustainability Issues: An organization not performing well in terms of environmental impact may need to rethink its production processes as a way of offering 'greener' products. Again, innovating will be a good way to accomplish this.


Example of Design Thinking in Solving Problems That Require Innovation


Let’s take an example of an environmental impact concern. Say there is a manufacturer of bottled beverages that wants to reduce its contribution to environmental pollution. How might they use Design Thinking to come up with a new solution?


  1. Empathize: The company speaks with its customers to understand their concerns about plastic waste. Customers show feelings of guilt when throwing away single-use bottles.

  2. Define: The company defines the problem: "How can we create packaging that is both green and convenient for customers?"

  3. Ideation: Some of the ideas that come to light are the use of biodegradable bottles, refill stations, or making reusable bottles.

  4. Prototype: The company makes simple prototypes of biodegradable bottles and reusable bottle designs.

  5. Test: These models would be circulated among customers for feedback on how far the products were convenient and durable. Refine the prototype into launching a new line of reusable bottles with a refill station program that reduces plastic waste.


Design Thinking, in this case, helped the company come up with a new innovative solution that catered to customer needs while solving the problems related to the environment.


Ready to Apply Design Thinking For Innovation?


Design Thinking is one of the powerful ways to get through the challenges of coming up with fresh and creative solutions. Deeply understanding problems and encouraging creative ideas are parts of the approach in Design Thinking that will lead businesses to offer practical solutions that meet real customer needs. Be it enhancing customer experience or creating sustainable products, Design Thinking has been offering an organized path to innovation in every field.


Book a discovery call to explore how we can help you or your team become more innovative.


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