What Is Design Thinking? An Overview

✅ Check out our new FREE FACILITATION TRAINING and learn the 5 things you can do to become a top 1% facilitator and earn 6 figures while doing it! 👉 go.ajsmart.com/start?...
_______________
What is Design Thinking? Why is it still so important? In this video AJ&Smart CEO Jonathan Courtney shares the definition of Design Thinking, an overview of the processes, and why they're so important to innovation!
Do you use the Design Thinking mindset and principles to develop products or other innovative practices? What workshops and exercises do you undertake for each step, and why?
🤔 Share your thoughts and insights on these, in the comments below!
Also if you haven't already, subscribe to our KZbin channel for weekly UX / UI / Career / and Design Sprint videos:
❤️ kzbin.info&Smart?sub_... 😉
🔎 For more resources on Design Thinking, we're publishing content every day on our Linkedin page: / aj&smart
🔎 Check out the featured Workshopper.com long form article on Design Thinking here:
workshopper.com/guide-to-desi...
🔎 For all our other social media channels and the 'Jake & Jonathan' podcast, check out our LinkTree: linktr.ee/AJSmart
Thanks for watching!
-
Want more?
📣 FREE FACILITATION TRAINING! 👉 go.ajsmart.com/start
We’ve JUST launched a new 1-hour facilitation training, where we’ll teach you:
✅How we landed facilitation gigs with the world’s best companies (Google, Twitter, LEGO & more!)
✅How to successfully build & facilitate ANY workshop, even when you’re not a subject-matter expert
✅How to become a high-paid facilitator in 90 days or less, using our special ‘5-1-6 method’.
Interested? This training is available for a limited time only, so unlock it now and start watching!
If you want access to exclusive UX / UI design resources, links and commentary - sign up for our FREE (and non-spammy!) weekly newsletter here: 👇
📝 aj-smart.ck.page/21100f1c73 👀
Join 100,000+ people subscribing to our AJ&Smart KZbin, Linkedin and Instagram channels for free content to help you and your team do more valuable work.
AJ&Smart is the #1 design sprint firm in the world, the official Design Sprint training partner with Jake Knapp inventor of the google design sprint and partner of choice for the world's most successful brands.
What Is Design Thinking? (2020)
• What Is Design Thinkin...

[@AJSmart]

What more do you want to know about Design Thinking? What exercises and workshops are you undertaking to implement Design Thinking in your organisation? Share your insights with us below in the comments and let's start a discussion! . If you want access to exclusive UX / UI design resources, links and commentary - sign up for our FREE (and non-spammy!) weekly newsletter here: 👇 📝aj-smart.ck.page/21100f1c73 👀 . Also if you haven't already, subscribe to our KZbin channel for weekly UX / UI / Career / and Design Sprint videos: ❤️kzbin.info&Smart?sub_confirmation=1 😉 . Check out our latest Design Sprint Case Study here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZW5i3l7eM6pgZo

[@mestune5043]

Hey, I'd love to see a walkthrough of the wireframing process. Where do you go to find inspiration? What is your mindset when wireframing? Apologies if you've covered this already haha, I'm new to the channel.

[@MaoGenesiss]

I'm doing homework about this ty for uploading this video. Also If there's a chance to explain in another video about the methods that are used in the design thinking like the six thinking hats, blue ocean, or brainstorming I would really appreciate it. thx in advance.

[@angadrajput3705]

Hello, the video was very good and very informative. Can you also make a video in which you can explain the Design Thinking process using an example? That would really help!

[@imranwebdesigner]

Hi Jonathan, can we call the UCD process that we use to create an app, as design thinking process? Coz they both seem to be totally identical. Plz let me know.

[@muznashihabi]

Any online design thinking courses ?

[@Alex-kc9yr]

The Design thinking EDICT: Empathize with the person Define the problem Ideate solutions Create a prototype Test your product

[@sajjadahmed289]

I have watched and read so many "Design Thinking" definition and videos but this one is the best and to the point.

[@AJSmart]

WOW we're honoured Sajjad! Thanks for the lovely feedback!

[@shakuntalaveerfashion9798]

Great. This is my first one. Commentsaves times

[@maheshkumbhare1250]

Yes you right

[@akmalmaulana7704]

Yes, and I think I don't need to wasting my time find out from other sources

[@shamhaabsathaar2895]

so as soon as my class dismissed i dogged in to youtube to understand in a much simpler concept of " design thinking" and i found this. thanks a lot for saving my day. really helpful.

[@pablographx]

Thanks! I was getting overwhelmed with all the exercise options when it comes to design thinking. I like the idea of “It’s a philosophy” and there’s no strict step-by-step solution. I’ll keep it simple for my first product idea.

[@eristonmansambu8225]

Thank you very much Jonathan. I'm majoring at Business Intelligence where this topic was spoken about but I couldn't get the best of it after the teacher's explanation. After watching your video, I really understood what DESIGN THINKING is about generally speaking and I even took note, haha. I'm already thinking about learning even much more about this beautiful topic. Thanks again!

[@ozzyalvarez5906]

This video is great! I'm a design student at a reputable art and design school in Pasadena. For the first time, I feel like I understand design thinking. Thank you!

[@mohmmedshareef8862]

I am a student this is my first time learning about design thinking and it couldn't have been more satisfying

[@losleben5235]

Loved how you clearified what is meant by Design Thinking vs Design Sprinting. One question that came up for me here was: What is the difference to Lean Design and Testing Hypothesis?

[@nickygoh]

Great video! I like the bit where you explained design thinking = philosophy + set of tools + creative problem solving! Pretty much clears out a lot of confusion as to what exactly is design thinking all about.

[@omarpasha2968]

I learned something! But, it's basically saying to start off with a rough draft. Then, iterate through it multiple times doing finer and finer fine tuning methods until you are totally satisfied with the product!

[@rodrickngonyoku5042]

Thank you for going off topic, you've taught me a new concept ...Design sprint.

[@JoeriCreates]

Just sent this one to a friend who confuses Design Sprints with Design Thinking. Too many people want to do "the whole thing in 3 hours..." Perfect explanation here, Jonathan.

[@nelsonzirxagent1248]

My favorite part was the end... Great reminder that awesome videos don't just happen... You gotta put in the work! Thanks!

[@emilvonschwartzenberg4339]

Yes, thank you so much for making me finally understand the in's and out's of design thinking! The graphics were really helpful in making me understand the process. 👍🏼

[@Divya_Rodrigues]

I'm so glad I found your channel. The way you explain things is so good! Thank you for helping us out.

[@jesussaves2822]

Design Thinking is a philosophy and a set of tools to help you solve problems creatively. Thank you for the videos. Reminds me of the things i learnt. Good reminder.

[@solomonkwarteng5742]

I have watched so many videos on design thinking and I feel this is probably my best so far. Thanks

[@yubanihernandezmiranda9252]

Very concise and clear! Thank you. These stages in design are very similar to social work and treatment planning. UX is definitely something I want to go into.

[@leonidaskalai8767]

Thanks so much for this! Would be helpful to know what kinds of questions to ask and how to go about asking them, when in the empathise step. There are specifics types of questions and ways of asking them, that illicit the most helpful feedback.

[@glendacruz4879]

I wanna use this model for my dissertation in science education. This overview about DT is a great guide. I hope you can help me sort out things as I walk on this journey. Thanks AJ&Smart!

[@RyanJohnson]

I love the ending in a video about design thinking as to where you get your ideas for your videos.

[@isgalida]

Hi, Jonathan and AJS staff. I am a newie in the field and still watching all your awesome videos on every topic. I appreciate them so much and thankful to you all for your wonderful efforts! My question: What are the channels or programs or websites to apply for internship (paid or unpaid) in UI/UX. Is it very competitive? If you could share your expertise in this topic, it would be awesome! Thanks in advance!

[@mariamthegreat2018]

Thank you this is clear and simple!

[@nesapa9885]

HI before I watched this video I didn't have any idea about the design thinking !!! But now I understand about what is really exactly it is Thank you very much, you learned me such amazing thing

[@antonkurban9579]

Hi, great explanation. Please tell more about all phases with examples (maybe a set of videos with one case study). But what is really unclear for me is a Define and Ideate steps, what are the best practices (flows) from the point when you gathered a ton on info to the starting prototyping.

[@susanhart-lamont1008]

seriously the best presentation I've seen. I like the fresh and engaging way you explain concepts. Absolutely loved the bloopers at the end - very authentic of you! Thank you . Subscribe people - they are terrific!

[@MyAmericanDreams]

I just wanted to take a minute to say how amazing your videos are! Thank you so much. This helps me to implement a design process into my organization.

[@AJSmart]

Thanks a lot! We really appreciate that and glad they're helping you!

[@shivanivlog5280]

@@AJSmart Please please help me I want know the answers of these 4 questions please sir help me 1.A users experience means more than just a product interface. It encompasses the whole experience a person will have with a _______ and their overall satisfaction with a product. 2.Innovation is often in the details and design thinking does not need to ________ more. 3.Which companies have design thinking as part of their company operations? Choose three. Nissan Ford Microsoft Apple Google Volkswagen 4.Ideally, design leads to innovation and innovation ________ design 5.The paths for people centered design are flexible as they allow you to ________ a path if you need or want to.

[@puritysusan3158]

Hallelujah. You just saved me from wasting hours of researching on D.T definition

[@dipsikhadutta6412]

Thank you so much these videos are so helpful, can you guys make a video on the exact responsibility of a UX designer and what skills should they have. I've just started a course to become a UX designer so these videos are really helping me in my journey.

[@AhmedAliIbr]

In one word. Just brilliant video summing up Design Thinking in 10 minutes.

[@luanacuzzo9693]

Jonathan, thank you for everything you and you team teach us!

[@AJSmart]

Thanks Luana, much appreciated! Lovely feedback!

[@jilsonjoseph1140]

Finally got the difference between design thinking and design sprint .I thought both are same . Thanks for sharing the important difference between those two .

[@AJSmart]

Great to hear, we get ask ALL the time about this particular topic!

[@clicavoli]

I love this explanation of Design thinking as the high level map and toolbox of free form tools you can choose from where Design Sprints takes core tenants of Design Thinking and dials it into an exact recipe of what to do when in each phase of the process. I'd love to hear and see more on concept, marketing and strategy sprints and how Aj&Smart is perfecting sprint exercises to help teams collaborate and excellerate outputs in these area. And a few case study examples of how they play out in real world examples for teams/clients! 👏😀❤

[@AJSmart]

Thanks! It's a much more sensible way to look at it, for sure! Ohhhhhh you're in luck! We'll be filming a Strategy Sprint series THIS MONTH! more to follow too! Along with the Case Studies! Nice suggestions!

[@GreciaOmana]

Love this content!! I would love to see Design thinking applied to a small challenge, and how could you apply DT techniques designing by yourself

[@inspiredaction1111]

Love the blooopers so damn real, want to see how you coach customers to understanding what they want...they usually dont know!

[@dheerajchinni1739]

This is the best explanation for design thinking. Helped me a lot to clear all my confusions about design thinking.

[@dvtwyford]

More about product management please. I think a lot of your potential audience are not designers but use design processes. Product Managers will be in this camp

[@SpaceCadetSuji]

This is a nice breakdown! Thanks! I'd like to see an explainer regarding how to adjust frameworks for groups new to Design frameworks and who haven't bought in yet? Maybe even how to get them there in baby-steps.

[@Innovation110officiel]

Hi Sujata, I would recommand to focus your energy on the groups who are interested by Design, get your first success with them and create a great storytelling with these successes. The others will follow naturally ;-)

[@manarqasas946]

I really didn't feel the time passing when I watched this vid! excellent work !!! really interesting... really useful .. best of luck .. and yes, more on computational thinking please.

[@TonyCostaBsb]

I loved the video and I would like to see more videos of examples of what kind of design thinking tools exist nowadays and we can use through weeks, months, years into the the precess, according to the product, goals, etc... Thank you a lot. keep the good work! o/

[@lenakay8661]

thank you! this is the most clear and easy to follow explanation I have seen so far.

[@pathikdesai5853]

Hello AJ&Smart! I have been following you guys for a while now. Really appreciate the crisp and on-point content you deliver. I have one video request about storytelling. How to tell your story to clients, investors, teacher, friends, etc. Storytelling is a very critical part and designer and as I'm still studying design, it could make alot of difference. Please!!

[@VickieOnuoha]

New into ui/ux design and this video really helped me understand things better. Thanks!

[@hazala6046]

Simple and brief explanation. Thank you so much!

[@estherokekwuo3391]

Wow! This video is simply amazing. Design Thinking is being explained in simple practical steps. Coincidentally, I am currently working on a research on how design thinking can be used as a 21st century skill in Education. I'd like to see a video on that. Thanks.

[@greeppl]

Really clear explanation, I've logged in to give a thumbs up & also subscribed.

[@aarthydesikan9939]

Hello, thanks for the crisp definition on design thinking, design sprint concepts! Wish you could also post a video of doing a design thinking exercise for a real world problem.

[@sistories4128]

design thinking is some thing that is not even being taught at design schools. we really need to realize the importance of it explore the true potential of design to have a positive impact on people and this planet

[@yakovdavid8874]

Hey Jonathan, thanks for the video. I work as a software trainer and a learning developer. instructional design is becoming a big part of my work and I'm developing more and more eLearning courses and mice-learning units. I like the approach of design thinking and I'm seeking ways to improve my digital design skills, learn some principals on developing my own taste in digital design, meaning coming up with ideas for image design, infographics, so that when I develop new learning units, my design "footprint" will be there. Sorry for blubbering so much and thanks 🙂

[@agricps]

Down to earth and presentation on design thinking. Jackie Chan style of including the snippets of errors and flip flops at the end is daring!

[@Strong-icon]

Worth watching, so concise but it gives clear sense.

[@d-ngai2795]

Not only good content but also good speaking for beginner English learner. Thank a lot.

[@jonatandewaele637]

that end is really relatable since I had to record myself presenting my high school science project due to covid

[@obedkwesi-ahordjie7816]

thank you. you have simplified design thinking very well.

[@vijayalen8386]

The section in colors was informative and simple and the section towards the end in black and white was enjoyable ! Well Done on this video. 👍

[@stephaniedikaiou9756]

Loved the video, concise and to the point! Thank you! Also loved the retakes at the end!! :)

[@BigDataLogin]

Thanks AJ, that was crisp, clear and concise... validates what we did in our recent startup, precisely same, but the nuances of reality we learnt along the way... and Oh Boy what lessons we learnt - its like being punched in the face every single day... Like the part that you guys are from Berlin, so I'm sure there's some practical things instilled .. all the best AJ .. and thanks really !

[@victorgrossi2624]

You are a creative person and must express yourself to achieve success. The methods to happen will be developed in a coherence plan to achieve the creation and success of your business project. Design Thinking will take you to the place you want.

[@AJSmart]

Exactly Victor! Nice one!

[@cucuzzellamichele]

Thank you so much for this video! I had read quite a lot about design thinking, but only this video made me really understand It!

[@AJSmart]

Looove hearing that Michele! Good luck on your design thinking learning journey!

[@mrshawnspencer]

THANK YOU for posting this. Awesome stuff. Stay safe & healthy.

[@roving-camera_72]

This was an excellent summation of what Design Thinking actually is. Succinct and to the point. Nice.

[@daiwanxtay7865]

This is my first time to watch your video. I really like your explanation. GOOD JOB !!!

[@alexl.1297]

thankyou bro, im seen thithankyou bro, im seen this video for a class, it really help me to design process, im from Mexico, my english isn't good, but i'll see all your videos to try to better my english. (i'm graphic designer) :)

[@katyagarzon-raake8239]

Hi! Thank you for your videos, they are very useful! It would be nice to see your team at real work, from brainstorming to prototyping. :)

[@MissJollyCatMeow]

Oh I recognise that pic on the top right corner, Hipstory, I love their designs. We came across it in Israel

[@ricardoveiga007]

Very instructive and entertaining. Thanks a lot, Sir!

[@kishoredas692]

You have explained it in a very simple way and it is very easy to understand. I find this video as one of the best. Would love to listen more from you.

[@AJSmart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@islamal-sloultan7090]

Right now in 2/23, after almost 3 years from posting this video, You're a +300K subscribers, and you deserve this! Keep up the great job. :)

[@AJSmart]

Wow, thanks!

[@RealRyanDeLuca]

The best UX channel there is! Keep up the great work :)

[@ahmedemad7831]

To the point, Share with us a detailed case study using Design Sprint video for each phase

[@ZeeJohansen]

Was talking to a new classmate in my study today and we talked about what tools we knew for creating designs, and I mentioned Design Sprint, and then he asked if design sprint ain’t againt the principles of Design Thinking. I couldn’t say then, but now I know, and it makes sense 😉🤣

[@76554channel]

Absolutely refreshing!!!

[@brianruscio596]

Love the bloopers at the end. We can all relate. Great vid guys!

[@user-gd3jy9ic8v]

Love to see you’re at 345k by the time I see this! Amazing content

[@gabrielamaia1397]

I've recently begun to study copywriting and I wonder how writers and designers think following those parameters. Could you make a video about the relationship between writers and designers, please? Thank you soooo much, loved the vid.

[@AJSmart]

Thanks for watching! We'll add your suggestion to our backlog!

[@HatchDuo]

Great insight and a very informative explanation about design-thinking!

[@vholmgren1]

Great! Been teaching this for years at MSU (Michigan State University) Scott

[@willieguswilliams5606]

Hello. I would definitely want to see more videos on design thinking workshops! I would be engaging in couple if co-creation workshops for a new project I am currently leading on! Thanks.

[@kyrollos0208]

Thank you for this clear explanation of design thinking.

[@mani1910]

Long story short, you made it so easy to understand.. awesome..

[@adams8849]

I have been doing this for the past 20 years, without knowing what it's called.

[@maggiemere1913]

Very well explained. Made so much sense!

[@Ravenpicturez]

I'm looking for new exercises to use in workshop and the design process in general. But it is so hard to find the different exercises through Google searches. Please make "excercise toolbox" I'd love to have a list af all the different exercises that can be used in each step of the design thinking process, or just design I general. Just a list of the different exercises, to use for further research to learn the exercises.

[@lanamaksosa6936]

Best practices in managing workshops is what I’m looking for

[@AJSmart]

Hey there Lana, sounds like our free Facilitation Guidebook is just what you're looking for! You can check it out here: lp.workshopper.com/facilitationguidebook

[@chriscarter3172]

Great video. I would like to see more videos about remote design sprints, service blueprints and how y’all create other types of alignment diagrams.

[@AJSmart]

Hey Chris, thanks for the feedback! What areas around the Remote Sprint would you like to cover? Or more of just an overview style?

[@chriscarter3172]

AJ&Smart I think more overview videos would be great. Also what challenges have y’all faced and how did y’all overcome them.

[@elvichuang405]

Great video! Very informative and helpful, thanks for sharing!

[@ILZorya]

Amazing explanation of methodology. It will be good to see how you apply methodology in real projects

[@AJSmart]

Thanks a lot! we'll have more content to follow on this area too!

[@shivanivlog5280]

1.A users experience means more than just a product interface. It encompasses the whole experience a person will have with a _______ and their overall satisfaction with a product. 2.Innovation is often in the details and design thinking does not need to ________ more. 3.Which companies have design thinking as part of their company operations? Choose three. Nissan Ford Microsoft Apple Google Volkswagen 4.Ideally, design leads to innovation and innovation ________ design 5.The paths for people centered design are flexible as they allow you to ________ a path if you need or want to.

[@judithnandase2800]

Wow, this s really so good. I would love a video about design thinking vs design sprints.

[@1856parth]

Appreciate your brief insights on Design Thinking! Thanks🎉

[@ahmedabobaker2203]

WOW The best video I've ever watched about design thinking Thank you soooooo much for your effort

[@abdul-UIUX]

Great stuff as always! I have a question. Does design Sprint comes into action during the third and fourth i.e prototype and test phases of design thinking?

[@Innovation110officiel]

Hi Abdul, not exactly, I would say that Sprint design comes when you have an idea to test BUT you want to do an quick empathy phase to start the process still.

[@hrs2373]

Great explanation with insightful information. Good job done!

[@redclausev8694]

Thank you for this video! Awesome explanations 😄

[@AJSmart]

Thanks!

[@olumidebenjamin6418]

Short and precise. This is a beautiful content. So helpful. Thank you

[@AJSmart]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SUMITKUMAR-ml6tv]

This video is very informative, I am working as High school teacher (Political Science and Geography )Kindly tell how can I use it effectively in my online classes during this lock down period. Thank you very much.

[@kritagya8605]

Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@dinaraeva]

I am new on this channel and I found this content extremely useful! Thank you for the video!

[@AhmadAbdelAziz77]

Design Thinking is a framework (holistic view), while Design Sprint is one of the common methodologies (recipes).