Organizations seeking a competitive advantage are increasingly adopting the Design Thinking Model—a structured, user-centered framework that fuels innovation. This iterative methodology breaks innovation into six phases: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test, and Implement.
The 6 Phases of the Design Thinking Model
Summary of the 6 Phases of the Design Thinking Model | ||
| Phase | Objective | Creately Template Used |
| Empathize | Understand users and their context | Empathy Map, Journey Map |
| Define | Frame actionable problem statements | Affinity Diagram, HMW Statements |
| Ideate | Generate a wide range of solutions | Brainstorm Canvas, Idea Clusters |
| Prototype | Turn ideas into tangible mockups | Wireframes, UI Mockups |
| Test | Validate ideas through user feedback | Feedback Grid, Testing Plans |
| Implement | Deliver final solutions and track success | Kanban Board, Release Roadmap |
Phase 1: Empathize – Understanding User Needs
The Empathize phase begins the Design Thinking Model by immersing in the user experience. Teams conduct interviews, observations, and contextual research to uncover needs, behaviors, and pain points.
Tools for Empathy Mapping
- User Interviews: Explore user motivations and unmet needs.
- Observations: Witness behaviors in natural contexts.
- Empathy Maps: Visualize what users say, think, do, and feel.
- Journey Maps: Track user experiences across touchpoints.
Use Empathy Maps to synthesize insights, develop personas, and identify emotional drivers. This user understanding lays the foundation for the Define phase.
Phase 2: Define – Framing the Problem
In the Define phase, teams translate empathy findings into clear, actionable problem statements. This anchors the next steps and ensures alignment with user needs.
From Insights to Problem Statements
- Affinity Diagrams: Cluster related insights to find patterns
- “How Might We” Questions: Open-ended prompts for ideation
- Problem Statements: Define the user, their need, and why it matters
- Success Criteria: Set measurable outcomes for solution evaluation
Phase 3: Ideate – Generating Creative Solutions
The Ideate phase encourages teams to explore a wide range of ideas. Prioritize quantity, explore the unexpected, and connect concepts.
Templates to Spark Innovation
- Brainstorm Canvas: Capture and expand ideas on an infinite canvas
- Idea Prioritization Grid: Rank ideas based on impact vs. effort
Phase 4: Prototype – Building Tangible Concepts
In the Prototype phase, ideas become tangible through mockups, wireframes, or interactive demos. Teams test functionality before development.
Rapid Prototyping Tools
- Sketches & Low-Fi Mockups: Quickly visualize concepts
- Wireframes: Lay out structure and interaction paths
- Clickable Prototypes: Simulate user journeys in Creately
- Version Control: Annotate iterations and feedback
Phase 5: Test – Validating with Users
The Test phase validates whether the solution solves the right problem and meets user expectations.
Testing and Learning Tools
- Test Plans: Define scripts, goals, and usability metrics
- Feedback Grid: Organize observations and user quotes
- Data Tags: Highlight trends and pain points
Phase 6: Implement – Bringing Solutions to Life
In the Implement phase, validated prototypes move to live solutions. Strong project planning and stakeholder visibility are key.
Deployment & Handoff Tools
- Kanban Boards: Track tasks and blockers
- Roadmaps: Align on timelines and milestones
- Handoff Docs: Embed specs and feedback directly on the canvas
Key Principles of Design Thinking
Adopting the Design Thinking Model means embracing key mindsets that prioritize users and foster iterative innovation. These principles guide each stage of the process and align teams around solving real problems collaboratively.
Core Mindsets of Design Thinking
- Human-centricity: Focus on user needs, context, and emotions.
- Iteration: Repeatedly refine solutions based on feedback.
- Collaboration: Leverage diverse perspectives from cross-functional teams.
- Experimentation: Rapid prototyping to test and validate assumptions early.
- Comfort with Ambiguity: Stay open to evolving solutions.
Integrating these principles ensures that every phase of the Design Thinking Model stays grounded in empathy, clarity, and creative momentum.
Learning and Adopting Design Thinking Practices
Effective design thinking training blends theoretical frameworks with hands-on, collaborative experiences. Teams deepen skills by applying each phase to real projects, testing assumptions, and iterating in cross-disciplinary groups for diverse perspectives.
- Blend theory with hands-on workshops and live case studies, allowing teams to apply design thinking phases to tangible product or service challenges.
- Use Creately’s collaboration features for synchronous remote sessions or in-person whiteboarding, ensuring that all participants contribute ideas in real-time.
- Curate a library of templates, documented case studies, and project retrospectives within Creately to institutionalize best practices and avoid repeated mistakes.
- Encourage cross-disciplinary pairing—designers, developers, researchers, and stakeholders collaborate to surface diverse viewpoints and generate innovative solutions.
Integrate periodic design thinking sprints into team routines, supported by Creately’s analytics to monitor progress and identify skill gaps. Encourage reviews and feedback to reinforce learning. Over time, this structured approach embeds a culture of user-centric problem-solving. Continuous improvement.
Resources:
Chon, H. and Sim, J. (2019). From design thinking to design knowing: An educational perspective. Art, Design & Communication in Higher Education, 18(2), pp.187–200. doi:https://doi.org/10.1386/adch_00006_1.
Chou, D.C. (2018). Applying design thinking method to social entrepreneurship project. Computer Standards & Interfaces, 55(0920-5489), pp.73–79. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csi.2017.05.001.
Sandino, D., Matey, L.M. and Vélez, G. (2013). Design Thinking Methodology for the Design of Interactive Real-Time Applications. Design, User Experience, and Usability. Design Philosophy, Methods, and Tools, 8012, pp.583–592. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39229-0_62.
