5Challenges in 5Weeks
Design Thinking - Week 2
Over a period of 5 weeks, we conducted 5 design thinking exercises using the Design Thinking Toolbox we developed. Throughout these exercises, stage and method tiles resembling a board game layout, specially crafted templates for implementing each method, instantly printed stickers, and specially designed 3D prints were employed.
Design Challenge
Empathy
Diagnosing
the Problem
Ideation
Prototype & Evaluation
DESIGN CHALLENGE II:
INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND WASTE REDUCTION AT HOME
At the start of each design thinking exercise conducted over the 5-week period, we initiated proceedings with a well-defined and succinct design challenge statement. During the second week, we commenced with the 'INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND WASTE REDUCTION AT HOME' challenge statement.
PHASE I: EMPATHY
During this stage, the team collaboratively identified a diverse set of methods from the available 17 empathy methods within the toolbox. These methods were carefully chosen to sufficiently define problems for the next stage. Initially, the challenge was narrowed down by focusing on the home meal preparation process. At this point, four methods—AEIOU, Nine-Dimensional Observation, Journey Map, and Emotional Journey Map—were selected for the Empathy stage.
For the challenge focused on sustainability and waste reduction at home, understanding elements such as space, individuals, events, and interactions is essential to uncover user scenarios. To achieve this, ethnographic methods, specifically AEIOU and Nine-Dimensional Observation, were selected. Collaborating with ChatGPT, a virtual reality was created to answer the questions in their templates. Additionally, the Journey Map and Emotional Journey Map methods were employed during this stage to visualize user scenarios.
PHASE II: DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM
The data obtained from the conducted empathy stage revealed two design questions:
1. What could be the solution to consume the food you buy before it spoils?
2. Is it possible to redesign the dinner process with a focus on reducing waste?
PHASE III: IDEATION
In pursuit of solutions to the formulated questions, three methods from the Ideation methodology set were employed.
Commencing with the Dark Side method, the design thinking team engaged in a creative process by reversing the design questions, generating a myriad of ideas.
Subsequently, the agreed-upon ideas underwent further development through the Lotus Blossom method, facilitating the emergence of new concepts and the enhancement of existing ones.
Among these ideas, one was meticulously detailed and evolved into a mobile application usage scenario, depicted and visualized utilizing the Flowchart method.
PHASE IV: PROTOTYPE, TEST & EVALUATION
Among the ideas generated in the Ideation phase, a notable concept emerged—an application facilitating dinner invitations. This idea was materialized utilizing the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) method. Subsequently, during the evaluation phase, the A/B Test method was chosen to assess its user-friendliness.
Project Summary:
Research Methodologies:
Empathy: AEIOU, Nine Dimensional Observation
Ideation: Dark Side, Lotus Blossom, Flowchart
Evaluation: MVP, A/B Test
Tools:
Figma, ChatGPT, Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator