Design Thinking solves big complex problems by centering the problem solving process around the user. That is the theory, but is this true in practice and is the actual outcome of Design Thinking projects in government solutions to problems or perhaps something else?
New Zealand may be small, but they are not shy to try new things and employ the latest tools and methods to make the best future they can for their people. Here are 5 examples of the use of design thinking in the government of New Zealand.
How do you systematically prototype, test, and scale up public sector policy and service responses to the challenges of Government?
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) requires a consistent yet flexible approach to address wicked problems. A design-thinking methodology holds promise, as its tenets align with the diversity and complexity inherent within the homeland security environment.
Government's role is to provide essential services for its people. Using the methodology and mindset of Design Thinking in government projects can help to clarify for whom, what problems need to be solved and test and improve the resultant ideas quickly before huge resources are applied to rolling out the new or improved government services.
Even more than other change-management processes, design thinking requires active and effective leadership to keep efforts on a path to success [because it employs ideas and thinking not normal in most businesses]. Much has been written, in HBR and elsewhere, about how organizations can use design thinking for innovation.
Dave Robertson presents two case studies with the British Columbia Government (Canada). One with the Ministry of Transportation discussing their (public servant centered website), the other solving the problem of finding a solution to where to place a power substation.
From hospitals to housing, good design makes government better. It saves lives, cuts costs, and boosts social welfare.
GovInsider caught up with Jeffrey Ho – Executive Director of the DesignSingapore Council, part of the Ministry of Communication and Information – to find out how design-thinking has been used in Singapore.
The Ministry of Manpower’s Work Pass Division (WPD) used design thinking as a tool to develop better ways to support foreigners who choose Singapore as a destination to live, work and set up businesses. The case reveals: Design thinking can potentially transform the perception and meaning of public service.
This case concerns one of the earliest attempts by design thinkers at designing a large, complex system. It shows that design approaches in the public sector can look back at a long history. And it reveals how design thinking within the organization must include members of the whole organization in the design process.