How to overcome the skepticism of a tool like Design Thinking

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a method that prioritizes empathy, creativity, and experimentation in order to develop innovative and effective solutions to complex problems. However, convincing people to adopt the design thinking approach can be a challenging task. In this blog post, we will explore some ways to convince people to use design thinking.

In my many years of facilitating and fostering collaboration methods like design thinking in various companies I was nearly always faced with a huge skepticism about "having a workshop with the whole team"

I have already the idea and solution for the problem why should we do a workshop?

Often this was based on these issues:

• lack of experience with the method

• lack of agile/collaborative mindset

• lack of trust on the team to come up with better ideas

• wrong perception of efficiency and cost reduction

• no buy in from upper level

I figured over the time these first simple steps to overcome the skepticism.

1. Explain the benefits of design thinking One of the most effective ways to convince people to use design thinking is to explain the benefits of the approach. For instance, design thinking can lead to innovative solutions, improved customer experience, and enhanced employee satisfaction. By highlighting these benefits, you can persuade people to embrace design thinking.

2. Use case studies Another way to convince people to use design thinking is to use case studies. Case studies provide concrete examples of how design thinking has helped companies to solve complex problems. By sharing case studies, you can show people the real-world impact of design thinking.

3. Demonstrate the process Design thinking is not just a buzzword; it is a structured process that involves various stages. By demonstrating the process, you can show people how design thinking works and how it can be applied to different problems. You can also provide them with tools and resources that can help them to implement design thinking in their own work. You can use for example hackweeks or other smaller occasions the showcase how good it works.

4. Collaboration is key to the success of design thinking. By involving the people, you can demonstrate the benefits of the approach and show them how it can be applied in a team setting. You can also encourage them to share their own ideas and perspectives, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions.

5. Start small Finally, it is important to start small when introducing design thinking to people. Instead of trying to convince them to adopt the approach for all their projects, start with a small project or task. By starting small, you can demonstrate the benefits of design thinking in a low-risk environment, which can help to build confidence and trust in the approach.

In conclusion, convincing people to use design thinking can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. By explaining the benefits of design thinking, using case studies, demonstrating the process, collaborating with people, and starting small, you can persuade people to embrace this innovative approach to problem-solving. With design thinking, you can develop creative and effective solutions to even the most complex problems. But there is no fast way to do this. People need to experience it and you need to manage it.