Design Thinking step by step: develop your entrepreneurial idea

When we have a project or idea in mind it is normal that we find it difficult to figure out how to shape it and put it into action. It may be because we don't know how to organize the whole process, how to shape it or even what to do at each step. The solution to these problems has been in front of us for some time now and it is called Design Thinking. 

Surely you have ever done a brainstorming exercise: Did you know that it belongs to this methodology? In this blog we will focus on the steps to develop your idea.

What is Design Thinking?

The Design Thinking is a tool that exists with the objective of being able to come up with innovative ideas based on the real needs of the target we want to address. 

This process is very similar to that of Lean Startup. The overlaps are in defining, developing, researching and solving a problem. Unlike the steps of Design Thinking, the Lean Startup steps are divided into: build the product, measure consumer response, and review the results to decide whether to continue product development or pivot.

 The Design Thinking process is divided into 5 steps: 

• Empathize

The first step is based on observing, identifying and understanding the needs of our client or target user. In fact, as the name of this step says, we must empathize with our target at all times, put ourselves in their shoes and understand how they are going to use the product or service. 

• Define

After empathizing and understanding our target customer, with the information we have collected, we have to define the problem or need we are going to address. In this way we will be clearer about our objective, and at the same time we will have our customer in mind. 

• Idear

We have already empathized and defined our customer and problem, now we need to ideate. This step consists of generating ideas that solve the problem we want to address. A very useful tool that Design Thinking offers for this step is brainstorming, also known as " brainstorming". 

This tool consists of writing down all the ideas that come to mind without thinking about whether they make sense or not. It is best to do it with a group of people and a moderator, to get as many ideas as possible. 

• Prototyping

The time has come to take action. In this step, the objective is to materialize the idea, and for this we have to build a prototype, or in other words, a real product that allows us to test it with our target customer. 

• Evaluate

This is the last step, but not the least important. Once our prototype is ready, we have to test it with our target, to see how it interacts with it. Once we have tested it, it is time to receive feedback, evaluate and change what is needed. 

The 5 steps of Design Thinking

How can Design Thinking help me?

As you will have seen throughout the steps, this methodology will help you get to know your target audience and the problem you want to address. It will be easier for you to develop your idea and make it more real. 

Design Thinking is a very useful tool for entrepreneurs as it helps to move forward in an agile way in any project and to find the solutions that best connect with users.

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