IDEO is a leading design and innovation consultancy that is widely recognized for its expertise in design thinking. According to IDEO, design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, experimentation, and iteration. The goal of design thinking is to create innovative and effective solutions to complex problems by understanding the needs of the user or customer. IDEO believes that design thinking is a powerful tool for businesses and organizations that want to create meaningful and sustainable change.
So what does IDEO think about how Design Thinking has been developing? IDEO partner Michael Hendrix discusses how design thinking can be used as a superficial tool to make a company seem innovative–even when it’s not. In this article where IDEO breaks its silence about the development of Design Thinking, IDEO partner and leader of its Cambridge, Massachusetts, office Michael Hendrix had a frank conversation with Co.Design's senior writer about why design thinking has gotten so much flack.
“I think it’s fair to critique design thinking, just as it’s fair to critique any other design strategy,” Hendrix says. “There’s of course many poor examples of design thinking, and there’s great examples. Just like there’s poor examples of industrial design and graphic design and different processes within organizations.”
Part of the problem is that many people use the design thinking methodology in superficial ways. Hendrix calls it the “theater of innovation.” Companies know they need to be more creative and innovative, and because they’re looking for fast ways to achieve those goals, they cut corners.
To find out more about what IDEO thinks about Design Thinking's use and development,