What is Design Thinking?

What are the differences with the traditional approach?

To solve the problems we encounter in every area of ​​life, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. User-oriented, creative and flexible methods are needed. This is where Design Thinking comes into play. So what is this approach and how does it differ from traditional methods?

What Does Design Thinking Mean?

Design Thinking is a way of thinking that aims to understand the people who are experiencing a problem before solving it. It focuses not only on producing solutions, but also on first recognizing the problem correctly.

Five Basic Steps:

1. Empathize: Understand the user’s world.

2. Define: Determine what the real problem is.

3. Ideate: Develop creative solutions.

4. Prototype: Make ideas testable.

5. Test: Improve with user feedback.

What Are Traditional Approaches Like?

Traditional problem solving methods focus more on planning, analysis and data-based processes. These approaches:

• Follow a linear sequence,

• Usually conducted by experts,

• May exclude the user from the process.

Ultimately, the “perfect solution” is sought, but this solution may not always be suitable for the user.

Differences Between Design Thinking and Traditional Approach

Feature	Traditional Approach	Design Thinking
Focus	Problem and solution	User and need
Process	Fixed and linear	Flexible and iterative
Method	Analytical	Empathic and creative
Participant	Expert	All stakeholders including the user

Why Should Design Thinking Be Preferred?

• User-Centered: Answers the question of whether the solution really works.

• Supports Creativity: Enables going beyond the ordinary.

• Can Cope with Uncertainty: Uses in complex and variable situations.

• Triggers Innovation: Opens the door to developing new ideas and products.

Final Word: The Future is Thinking with Design

Design Thinking is now an approach that not only designers but also leaders, entrepreneurs, educators and even students use. Because now is the time to produce solutions that make real contributions to people’s lives instead of solving problems with “rote solutions”.