Design Thinking

One defining aspect of Design Thinking is working according to a design cycle. The step-by-step plan below is not a linear process; typical for Design Thinking is the iterative character, in which experiments are carried out, prototypes are developed and revised again, and steps are sometimes completed several times and in varying order (NHL Stenden, n.d.)

Within the framework of the placemaking semester it is important that the process and the choices within it can be reproduced. With this way of working we want to contribute to creating meaningful places for all relevant stakeholders.

Design Thinking (Interaction Design Foundation, n.d.)

This first phase is about getting to know as much as possible about the place and understanding the visions and needs of all stakeholders involved. An open attitude, empathy and putting one's own assumptions aside are important mindsets. Various sources and existing knowledge are used. It is about understanding and discovering the question behind the question and overseeing the challenge.

In this phase it is about analyzing the information from the previous phase, making use of various sources and existing knowledge in order to define on that basis the central issues and gain insight into how a place might be improved. This gives direction and focus to the next steps. When formulating the core problem, the design task or central issues, the stakeholders are considered.

The aim of this phase is to generate as many different solutions to the core problem as possible and subsequently selecting a number of ideas in order to create a bundle of ideas that together with all relevant stakeholders lead up to a place vision. The generation and selection of ideas is done in a co creative way by designing and hosting different creative sessions.

Based on the demand, wishes of those involved and the ideas and options from the previous phase, a number of ideas are selected or integrated on the basis of which one or more designs / prototypes are developed. The designs / prototypes can be improved within these phases in a number of iterations on the basis of feedback. It is about creating short term experiments in finding out what elements work or not in creating a meaningful place concept.

The most important step in the placemaking process is implementation—putting the vision into action.The most promising designs / prototypes are tried out in this phase and/or submitted to the parties involved. The legacy allows for making the meaningful place come to live in a way that all stakeholders can experience the concept.

Keeping stakeholders involved can also make or break the long-term life of a project. Ensuring that the vision for the space always mirrors the goals of the community is arguably the most crucial part of the process. Adapting the management plan in accordance with changing circumstances also ensures that the space is well-loved and well-used over time.

 What is Design Thinking? -  IDEO (2009)

Designers: Think big! - Tim Brown (2009)