What do you think of when you hear the word design? Most people think of the aesthetics — what something looks like. But in reality, design thinking encompasses much more than that, and it’s one of the best ways to think about your products or services and how they can improve over time. Here are some things you need to know about design thinking and why it’s so important for companies of all kinds.

Defining design thinking

Design thinking has been around since 1960, but its popularity exploded in 2011. Coined by David Kelley, founder of IDEO, a well-known design company, Kelley’s definition breaks down what exactly we mean when we say design thinking

Applications of design thinking

A mobile app development company, web design company, or an ui/ux agency are all part of a diverse set of business services that leverage a design thinking approach. As these companies grow and scale their team, they face more challenges than just building relationships with clients. By utilizing design methods, they can continue to innovate their products while scaling operations. Designers can help foster talent and creativity among your teams.

Things to avoid when implementing it

Design thinking needs to be a holistic, integrated experience; not just something that designers do. That’s why it’s crucial to partner with experts who can help you integrate a user-centered approach into your business. A mobile app development company can help build out your product or service, while a web design company will handle your website. If you need additional assistance with implementation, an agency specializing in user interface/user experience (UI/UX) can further aid in giving users what they want and need.

How companies implement it into their business model

Design thinking can be implemented at every level of an organization, from marketing to sales. Mobile app development companies can use their brand’s identity, their value proposition and what differentiates them from competitors to create a compelling experience for customers. Using design principles during mobile app development allows them to tell a story in which customers can see themselves—and once they identify with a brand or product, they're much more likely to buy.

Conclusion

Design thinking can help you create a better product or service, improve your team’s workflow, and even attract new customers to your business. But what is it exactly? If you have no idea how to apply design thinking in your business, a mobile app development company or web design company will be able to help you out. UI/UX agencies understand design concepts better than anyone else, so they can tell you how to utilize these strategies in day-to-day operations of your business.