Definitions of design thinking

September 7, 2008 — 51 Comments

In my HBR article I gave a ‘definition’ of design thinking. It was:

Design thinking can be described as a discipline that uses the designer’s sensibility and methods to match people’s needs with what is technologically feasible and what a viable business strategy can convert into customer value and market opportunity.

On reflection this is a narrow description that focuses on design thinking’s role within business. The next sentence that I wrote.“….design thinking converts need into demand” , which I borrowed from Peter Drucker, broadens things out a bit but still assumes an economic motivation.

I am grappling with two questions as I think about this.

1. Is there a general definition of design thinking?

2. Is it useful to have one?

Tim Brown

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51 comments on “Definitions of design thinking

  1. Hi Tim,
    I love the whole concept on desgin thinking, I am learning about this is my innovation change class. However, my question is what organization/s that has successfully inovated products/services using desgin thinking.

    Thank you
    Kathy

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