Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems in an attempt to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding.

What is Design Thinking and Why Is It So Popular?

Empathize – with your users
Define – your users’ needs, their problem, and your insights Idea
Ideate – by challenging assumptions and creating ideas for innovative
Prototype – to start creating solutions
Test – solutions

It is important to note that the five phases, stages, or modes are not always sequential. They do not have to follow any specific order and can often occur in parallel and repeat iteratively. Given that, you should not understand the phases as a hierarchical or step-by-step process. Instead, you should look at it as an overview of the modes or phases that contribute to an innovative project, rather than sequential steps.