Skills
Design Thinking
Solve the right problem, not just a problem
Novice
Mastery0%
Novice
Skills
Solve the right problem, not just a problem
Novice
Subdomain
A well-framed problem is half the solution. HMW questions and point-of-view statements turn observations into actionable design challenges.
Problem Framing (HMW)
A question format that transforms observations about user problems into actionable design challenges. HMW questions are open enough to allow creative solutions but specific enough to guide ideation.
Open
Jobs to be Done
Clayton Christensen's framework that people do not buy products. They hire products to do a job for them. Understanding the job reveals what the real competition is.
Open
Double Diamond Model
A design process framework from the UK Design Council that describes two phases of diverge-and-converge thinking: finding the right problem, then finding the right solution.
Open
Empathy map
A synthesis tool with four quadrants: says, thinks, does, feels. Used to make user research findings shareable.
HMW
How Might We. A question format for turning observations into design challenges.
Double diamond
UK Design Council model: discover, define, develop, deliver. Two diverge-converge cycles.
Design sprint
Jake Knapp's five-day process: map, sketch, decide, prototype, test.
Jobs to be done
Christensen's framework: people hire products to accomplish functional, emotional, and social jobs.
Affinity mapping
Grouping observations or ideas by theme to find patterns. Done silently to prevent framework imposition.
Prototype
A low-fidelity, cheap, fast representation of a solution idea, built to make an assumption testable.
Usability test
Observing real users complete a task with a prototype to uncover problems and needs.
Say-do gap
The difference between what users report they do and what they actually do. Often the location of the real design problem.
POV statement
Point of view. A one-sentence synthesis of who the user is, what they need, and why. The output of the first diamond.
Bharat
In Indian product design, refers to users outside major metros, often with different device constraints, languages, and connectivity.
Crazy 8s
An ideation exercise: eight sketched ideas in eight minutes. Forces divergence before convergence.