The phase of Defining is a central part of the Design Thinking process, where you bring together the insights from the previous steps. Here, the aim is to clearly identify the actual needs of the customer and establish a solid foundation for the next steps. The ability to define precisely often determines the success of a project as it allows you to ask the right questions and develop the appropriate solution.
Key Insights
In Defining, you will:
- Bring together the insights from the first two phases.
- Clearly define the Current State and the Desired State.
- Create a Persona to identify your Ideal Customer.
- Delineate the entire Solution Space for your project.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Analyze the Current State
To be able to define effectively, you should first understand your Current State. This includes all the information you gathered in the first phase. Think about what your customer is currently experiencing and what problems exist. This phase is about capturing reality as accurately as possible.
2. Formulate the Desired State
After defining the Current State, it's time to explore the Desired State. Ask yourself what your customer desires. What are his expectations? What goals does he want to achieve with your product? Here, it's important to immerse yourself deeply in the customer's perspective and identify the aspects that are important to him.
3. Combining Current and Desired State
The next step is to establish a connection between the Current State and the Desired State. Identify the gaps between where the customer currently stands and where he wants to go. This will help you determine the key aspects for your future product or service.
4. Create a Persona
Now it's time to develop a Persona. This Persona represents your ideal customer and is based on the observations and conversations you gathered in the previous phases. Think about the characteristics and needs of this customer and create a detailed profile to help guide the project further.
5. Define the Solution Space
After defining your Persona, it's time to delineate the entire Solution Space. Consider which solutions could potentially be relevant for this Persona and try to cover all aspects that could be crucial for the success of your product. Defining the possibilities will help you work purposefully in the next phases of the Design Thinking process.
Summary
In Defining, the foundation for the subsequent steps in Design Thinking is laid. It is a phase where you create a solid information base with a clear focus on the customer and their needs, paving the way for successful design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is the phase of Defining?The phase of Defining is crucial as it lays the foundation for all further steps in the Design Thinking process.
What is a Persona and how do you create one?A Persona is a fictional profile of your ideal customer based on collected information. You create it by summarizing observations and conversations.
How can I determine the Current State?The Current State can be determined through interviews, observations, or surveys to get a clear picture of the current problems and needs of the customer.
Why is it important to identify the gaps between the Current and Desired State?Identifying these gaps helps you understand the specific needs of the customer and develop relevant solutions.
How do I delineate the entire Solution Space?The Solution Space can be delineated by brainstorming and analyzing the customer's priorities to identify all potential approaches to the solution.
