27 March 2020 Design Thinking applies to Architecture
Starting in Silicon Valley, the Design Thinking approach is the result of two North American consultants, David Kelley and Tim Brown, both from IDEO consultancy. It was through the publication of the work Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation; authored by Brown, that the term became popular and gained adaptations in the most varied areas of performance.
Architecture has also benefited from this innovative way of proposing solutions for project development. Below, learn more about how design thinking has contributed in this regard.
What exactly is Design Thinking?
In summary, we can say that design thinking is a proposed approach to find solutions in product and business development, using cognitive processes similar to those reproduced by designers. In this search for assertive answers are the process of brainstorm, research and involvement of a multidisciplinary team in the search for the selection of the best ideas.
As defined by Tim Brown himself: “Design Thinking is an approach to innovation, centered on the human being and based on the scope of the designer’s tools, which aims to integrate people’s needs with technological possibilities and the main requirements for business success.”
In summary, we can say that design thinking is a approach proposed to find solutions in product and business development, using cognitive processes similar to those reproduced by designers. In this search for assertive answers, the process of brainstorming, research, and involvement of a multidisciplinary team is sought in the search for the selection of the best ideas.
As defined by Tim Brown himself: “Design Thinking is an approach towards innovation, centered on the human being and based on the scope of tools of the designer, which aims to integrate people’s needs with the technological possibilities and the main requirements for business success. ”
How to apply Design Thinking to Architecture?
When adopting the design thinking approach for the development of architectural projects, it is necessary to take the recognition of the client’s needs as a starting point. This first survey will be essential to guide the development stages of the concept, supported by this innovative approach. Check below the steps indicated for the application of Design Thinking:
- Look at the projects in an empathetic way:
Empathy is highlighted in the way of thinking about projects via design thinking. This means that the professional starts to undress personal tastes to put himself or herself in the customer’s shoes. This ability to understand the wishes of others is essential when it comes to this approach.
In order to do so, it is recommended to carry out a very detailed briefing, taking into account the desired function, aesthetic, and expectations of the client about the projected space. The more information is collected in this stage, the more elements the professional will have to use when idealizing the project.
- Mapping of potential problems
In addition to paying attention to the expectations of the client, it is also necessary to pinpoint the potential problems that may arise during the work. In this stage of identifying the negative points it is also important to act empathetically, always taking a position from the perspective of the client, for whom the work will be destined.
- Brainstorm moment
With the strengths and weaknesses of the work determined, it is time to carry out a survey for ideas to be applied into practice. The more varied the assembled team is, the more rewarding this phase will be. Architecture is an activity that is carried out collectively, with the support of other professionals. Therefore, the more multidisciplinary this brainstorm team is composed, the more enriching the result of solutions and ideas presented will be.
- Putting the project into practice
One of the main pillars of design thinking is the strengthening of projects by all the people who compose it. When it comes to getting the idea out of the paper, it is necessary to take into account how each of those involved will participate and benefit from their participation. With that, not only do service providers come into play, but also the suppliers and the entire network that moves around the conclusion of the project. The more satisfied you are, the better the end result will be.
Design thinking favors all activity that deals with creativity as its main premise. Therefore, it is fully adapted to the projectual act in Architecture and to all the stages that integrate it. A way to bring the other members of the project into the creative process, actively understanding the contribution of each one, the points that can evolve together and benefit each other.