Design Thinking Process | Sliced Bread

Our Process

Our Process

Design thinking has a laser focus on the actual, human roots of a given problem. By understanding and empathizing with the distinct human stories underlying a problem, we’re able to solve for real needs from the get go.

Process Carousel Step 1
Step 1: User Research

User research is the foundation of design thinking

The first time we do user research on a project is called needfinding. It’s all about asking users the right questions to find the root of the problem and ground the solution in real needs.

As we progress to subsequent phases of the design thinking process, user research can take on other variations such as user testing, rapid experimentation and co-design sessions.

Every iteration of user research is focused on validating assumptions by answering the key questions we have quickly and effectively.

Artifacts: recordings, videos, transcripts, photos
Process Carousel Step 2
Step 2: Insights

Once we’ve completed the user research, it’s time to unpack what we learned to find the insights that are going to drive the rest of the process.

Initially, our insights will be focused on defining what we are solving for. What stories did we hear in the research that really stick out? What needs did we uncover? What point of view will we take on the problem space?

In subsequent iterations, insights will be focused on teasing out what we learned from user testing and rapid experimentation to evolve the idea or pivot in a new direction.

Artifacts: research report, design framework
Process Carousel Step 3
Step 3: Ideas

We take the insights that we’ve gathered and use them to seed a brainstorm with the client’s team.

In design thinking, we take brainstorming to a new level through structured methods which encourage creativity and through the link to real user needs.

This is also one of the best steps to incorporate radical collaboration, bringing in people from different backgrounds to help brainstorm solutions from new perspectives.

Artifacts: brainstorm results, features list, requirements
Process Carousel Step 4
Step 4: Prototypes

The final step in the design thinking cycle is about thinking by doing. Instead of just talking about the ideas, we make something that people can actually use and evaluate.

Prototypes can take many forms: a stack of pen-and-paper sketches, a physical model, an interactive HTML wireframe, a refined visual design, a skit — it all depends on what questions we want to answer.

Once we’ve made a prototype, we circle back to the first step -- user research -- putting the prototype in front of potential users. Then, lather, rinse, repeat.

As we move through iterative cycles, the prototypes will become more and more refined, culminating in the final design.

Artifacts: sketches, interactive wireframes, physical models, visual designs

Iterate

Iterate

Another beauty of the design thinking process is that it’s iterative. A single trip through the cycle doesn’t mean you’re at the end. Then we continue to lather, rinse and repeat until we create something truly amazing.

See Design Thinking in Action

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ABC Inc

eDNA

Move.mil

MBARI

Zebit

LifeMoves

Rakkoon

TRC

VMware

Stanford University

NetHero

Xactly Objectives