Using the MPPF Method in the Double Diamond Design Process

We explored the design thinking process and introduced various models, including the Double Diamond Design process, which reflected several characteristics of design thinking, although it still shows some linearity in its flow through the four stages: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. As you may notice when looking at the Double Diamond model, the centricity around the problem definition is located at the exact intersection point before the problem space, and the solution space reflects design thinking theories that I shared previously in the updated Design Thining Books list, especially Kees Dorst book, Frame innovation.

The MPPF Method in the Double Diamond Design Thinking

As designers, several designers focus on the research and prototype part of the process but focus less on the definition of the problem itself, which is where innovation lies; we need to find the right problem to solve and create the right solution. What makes problem framing more challenging is the dynamic nature of problem framing, as problem definition keeps changing as we build more and more understanding of it, as highlighted by Richard Buchanan in his Wicked Problems paper.

Therefore, one helpful method for framing problems is Multi-Perspective Problem Framing (MPPF), developed by Dr Stuart English, a former Associate Professor of Design and the CEO of Ideas Lab Design Consultancy. This method helps companies define their problems not only to find the right solutions but also to define their intellectual property and patent characteristics.

The Interview with Dr Stuart English

This article introduces the MPPF method through a video interview with Dr English, describing it and explaining how to use it to explore and define problems and solutions. After the interview, you will find the PDF whitepaper that describes the method in more detail.

Download the MPPF Method Whitepaper

In addition to the video description above, the PDF whitepaper below describes the MPPF method in more detail, including its structure and flow. For more information about the method, visit the Ideas Lab design consultancy website.

The Problem Space in the Double Diamond Design Process

To implement the MPPF method effectively, we need to understand the concept of universal forms and how they contribute to understanding the design problem, as Dr Stuart described in his lectures. As we explore problems through different research methods in the Discover stage, we try to identify the characters of problems. However, our understanding of the problem is usually restricted by our mental models and how we perceive the elements of the problem.

The universal form defines the different elements as conceptual models represented by a frame containing all the possible connected points to the element. To illustrate this concept, think of the word "Taxi" and what it means. We can think of it as the hired yellow car in our cities. But, we can extend our thoughts to related concepts (dots in the figure) such as:

• Waiting for the car to come
• Setting for a long time
• Working in the car
• No vehicles late at night

When we think of the taxi as a concept, we extend our mental model and the different aspect concepts that are related to the word "taxi". However, the universal idea of the taxi is separate from other concepts. And this is why the opportunity emerges. For example, let's connect the word "taxi" to the word "limousine." The university of the word limousine can represent luxury, on-demand, and ample interior space. If we mix the two universals, we can come up with a concept such as Uber or Uber Lux.

Let's extend the example to even more concepts and consider the concept of a helicopter. Its universal concept can reflect flying fast and avoiding busy roads. If we merge the three concepts, we can reach innovative concepts such as a flying taxi service that provides a fast, luxurious commuting experience.

Conclusion

The definition of problems and how they contribute to forming solutions presents the central point of the Double Diamond Design Process. However, identifying the problem and the different opportunities that can merge out of it. Multi-Perspective Problem Framing is a useful method for framing problems and exploring the opportunities that can emerge from them. Through the interview with Dr Stuart English, we explored how to use the MPPF tool to frame problems as we move from the problem space to the solution space in the Double Diamond design process.

Bilbiography

Buchanan, R., 1992. Wicked problems in design thinking. Design issues, 8(2), pp.5-21.

English, S., 2011. Multiple perspective problem framing. How do designers think about situations to reveal hidden opportunities. PhD published, Northumbria University, UK.

Dorst, K. 2011. The core of ‘design thinking’ and its application. Design studies. 32(6), pp.521–532.

Dorst, K., 2015. Frame innovation: Create new thinking by design. MIT press.

Moor, T. and English, S., 2011. Reflections on multiple perspective problem framing.