The SCAMPER technique is one of the brainstorming tools that allows us to explore solutions to problems by altering the current product through seven different approaches: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put in Another Use, Eliminate, and Rearrange. My previous article, A Guide to the SCAMPER Technique for Creative Thinking, explored these seven approaches and the questions […]
How to Apply 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis
The root cause analysis aims to dig deep into a particular problem to identify its primary cause. One of the most significant challenges we face when trying to solve a problem is that what we perceive as the real cause is the effort or the symptoms. It is an outcome effect of one or more root problems. […]
How to Use Decision Trees in the Decision-Making Process
Every day, designers face decision-making challenges on different levels of their careers. In many situations, uncertainty dominates the choices, especially when evaluating new ideas or introducing a new innovating product such as the Double-Diamond Design Thinking and the Stage-Gate Process. Think of the time you needed to determine the importance of project resources, find alternative […]
How to Use TRIZ in the Problem-Solving Process
As we attempt to solve the problems and find creative solutions for them, we take different routes throughout the problem-solving process, such as applying the Double Diamond design thinking, brainstorming sessions, root cause analysis, and other models that help us to observe, build insight, and evaluate the situation from different perspectives giving the advantages and […]
What is Strategic Thinking? And How to Improve It
The ability to take strategic decisions can lead the organisation to achieve business success, as firms can't preserve their existence without a strategy that maintains their long-term growth. Having the ability to take such decisions is one of the most favourable skills in almost all types of business, including the design business. Even for employees […]
What is Systems Thinking? And How to Use the Fifth Discipline to Understand it?
Systems thinking, also known as systems dynamics, combines understanding how complex systems integrate with each other and solving complicated problems that involve multiple inputs and outputs from these systems' perspectives. The theory can also help us to build a clear vision of the system while proposing a solution that considers seeing the complex system as […]
How to Create the Systems Thinking Diagrams
Complex systems can’t be seen as individual parts. We need a broader perspective to see the whole pattern that causes the problem, as many factors as affecting both the current state and the desired state of the system. The systems thinking theory was first introduced by Jay Forrester and members of the Society for Organizational […]
How to Use the Fishbone Diagram in Root Cause Analysis?
Solving problems is considered an initial part of designers’ practice as they aim for user-centred design. The target that requires root-cause analysis of problems using tools such as the Fishbone diagram. A clear definition for the problem should be highlighted in order to target the proper solution, including analysing the causes behind this problem and […]
What is the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)?
Our worst fear in design is to end up with a failed product (at least for some). At this particular moment, we pause and wonder; if we knew this was going to happen, we could have taken another route. The Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) tool helps us to understand the potential risks that may occur […]
Design Thinking Tools and Methods Complete Guide
There are several design thinking tools and methods out there. At the beginning of my learning about these tools, How can we formulate these methods in a clear design thinking methodology to solve different design challenges? Understanding the nature of design thinking helps us identify where and when to use the design thinking tools and […]
What is the 8D Problem Solving? And How to use the 8D Report?
The 8D problem-solving process (also known as the 8 Disciplines) is very different from previous processes we explored previously, such as the Double Diamond process or the IBM Design Thinking. The 8D process works in a rigid standardised nature to address the crisis caused by problems. The 8D process aims to walk with the team […]
The Double Diamond Design Thinking Process and How to Use it
Summary: The design thinking process is a mindset grounded in the core characteristics of design and used to solve problems and drive innovation. The Double Diamond design thinking process consists of four key stages: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver, and provides a practical model to apply design thinking. We explored design thinking and various frameworks […]
Creative Problem Solving: How to Turn Challenges into Opportunities
What if we can turn problems faced in projects into opportunities? There are various examples show that understanding the problem and provide a creative solution for it can lead to successful products such as the Apple iPods and e-book readers. These products have implemented the Creative Problem Solving approach to see their consumers’ needs as […]
How Design Thinking Approaches Problems
Design thinking is widely known as a strategy to successfully address complex problems and build products that address consumers’ needs. Many word-leading design companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, IKEA, Lego and others, have achieved success through applying design thinking in their product development process. While there are similarities between the design thinking process and other […]
The Decision-Making Process Designers Should Use Daily
“How do I make a proper decision?” It seems to be an easy question to answer, especially by a professional, skillful designer. However, the decision-making process can turn to be complicated during times or crisis or when there is uncertainty about the right direction to follow. Many designers spontaneously depend on their previous experience or […]
CATWOE: Building a Problem-Solving Checklist
Problem solving is the main target of design thinking methods, and the previously discussed design thinking methods that are used in solving problems tend to work through a number of steps in order to reach a final solution for the problem. However, in particular situations, solving the problem isn’t the main target of meetings or […]
Vroom-Yetton-Jago: Deciding How to Decide
Summary: The Vroom-Yetton-Jago model is a management tool that provides guidance in choosing the best decision based on quality requirements, the need for team input, and time constraints. It outlines five leadership styles and introduces a decision tree with seven key questions to select the most suitable approach. The model's advantages are its flexibility and structured […]
Using the TRIZ Method for Creative Problem Solving
During the conflict and problems time in an organization, projects, at times, seem to be blocked from moving forward. At this crucial time, innovative and creative solutions are required to help the project survive through this difficult time. Problem-solving methods and tools are considered predefined ways that can be used to organize thoughts to carry […]
A Guide to the SCAMPER Technique for Design Thinking
Creative thinking and problem-solving are essential parts of the design thinking process to turn ideas into innovation and break the barriers against creativity. One of the successful methods used in creative thinking is the SCAMPER technique. While there are different creative thinking and problem-solving techniques, such as reversed brainstorming, Hurson’s thinking model, the six thinking […]
Problem Solving Using Hurson’s Production Thinking Model
The ability to solve problems is one of the essential strong points inside successful organizations. Seeing the success of a companies’ innovation and creativity does not mean that everything went perfect during the production time. Each creative process or innovation to build a new product is faced with barriers and problems before and during the […]