Very soon, we’ll be offering the full manual for free, but in the meantime, we invite you to read this excerpt, which explains why design is such an effective tool for problem-solving and how design thinking can help in creatively addressing challenges. Here’s a first look at the upcoming release!

1.1. Why is Design an Effective Way to Solve Problems?

Have you ever wondered why design is such an effective way of dealing with problems? Well, it all starts with those problems. Here’s something people have always done: they’ve tried to find solutions to difficult situations. And you know what? Difficulties aren’t just those moments that irritate us; they’re also the ones that push us to think and act.

So, in fact, a positive approach to problems can bring a lot of benefits. Not only does it help solve them, but it also allows us to better understand how the world works. And more importantly, it opens up new possibilities for us.

In this sense, problems can be seen as challenges. Design, as one of the tools for solving problems, becomes a way to tap into our creativity and drive our growth.

But what exactly is design? It’s nothing less than a way to change reality. It’s about giving the world a certain form, improving people’s lives by shaping the environment around us.

Design is both thinking and acting. It’s a way of formulating questions and answers that lead us to positive changes. But it’s also a concrete process that requires us to take specific actions to solve problems.

And what really makes design unique? The fact that it doesn’t just help us cope with problems, but also gives meaning to our reality. It’s also a way of understanding people’s needs and adapting to them.

Design is not just a technical activity but also a philosophy of life. It’s a way of thinking that makes us active creators of our surroundings, ready for changes that bring benefits to both ourselves and others.

1.2. What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is an approach based on empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s a method that uses design tools to address a wide range of challenges, both in business and in society. Moreover, it has a broad application in education as well.

The history of design thinking goes back to the 1960s, but it gained popularity only in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. That’s when the IDEO company was founded (in 1991) by brothers David and Tom Kelley, and the d.school was opened at Stanford University (in 2005). These brothers played a key role in the development of this approach.

But what does design thinking really mean? It’s hard to define in a single way. It can be described as a method, a set of rules, or even an art. In short, it’s an approach that combines analytical thinking with creativity to solve problems.

It focuses primarily on the human aspect—understanding and meeting people’s needs. It’s an empathetic approach that takes into account the users’ perspectives. But it’s also important to note that design thinking aims to achieve concrete results by solving real problems. The effectiveness of actions is measured by how well they meet people’s needs, the technical feasibility, and economic viability.

Design thinking is an open methodology that can be used by individuals from various fields to solve virtually any problem. It emphasizes learning through action and encourages collaboration and participation at every stage of the design process.

The design thinking process is characterized by its non-linear nature and creativity. It seeks innovative ways to solve challenges by using creative techniques and tools. Therefore, design thinking is not just a method for solving problems, but also a way to inspire innovation and creative thinking.

All of this makes design thinking an incredibly useful tool in both the business world and in solving social issues. It’s a creative approach that gives people the tools to create innovative solutions while focusing on specific problems and the needs of individuals.

This is just the beginning! The full manual will soon be available for free, and you can already discover how design and design thinking can help in effectively solving problems.