How to solve problems like a designer

The design process for problem-solving, in 4 steps.

Many thanks to Tim Brown and TED for this interview we recorded at TED 2017.

IDEO is an international design company founded in 1991. In the beginning, IDEO designed products—the first notebook-style computer, hard drives, even the next generation (of its time) PalmPilots. Most notably, in 1980, the firm was tasked by Steve Jobs to design a more affordable mouse for the Apple Lisa computer. By 2001, IDEO stepped away from designing products and pivoted to designing experiences. The process to solving problems, whether they be simple or complex, encompass these four steps: observing, ideamaking, prototyping, and testing. Tim Brown, CEO and president of the company, explains how human-centered design (and this four-step process) is a major key in how IDEO approaches complex challenges.

[fealubryne]

Design is such a fascinating thing, something that most people aren't concerned about until it's brought to their attention. Once it is, however, it almost opens a door to a different perspective. Things we use every day, mice, doors, grocery stores, suddenly seem more brilliant, or even less brilliant and poorly designed at times.

[davidonfim]

The "design loop" is really just the scientific method as applied to consumer goods and consumer happiness.
People really need to understand that whether you're trying to figure out how to cure malaria or whether you're trying to make a better phone, the best approach is always to observe, formulate hypotheses/ideas, test them, and iterate.

[aseth]

I absolutely love TED. I am so glad they are doing a collab with vox.

[jillhbaudhaan]

Why did this video stop? I need more information. For example, did the Peruvian school work, and what about the voting process?

[jimslim]

I always watch Vox videos, but I've never watched one about my job. That was a weird feeling haha

[judebruwuh]

I love this channel because this way you learn the news but also I know new artists and explications for art
Thank you Vox.

[Situayo]

In science, this is known as 'design science' and in offices as 'scrum'. Back in the 80s this was common practice, but at some point we got lost in the risk-aversing idea of having to research everything before doing anything. I just love how this pragmatic paradigm is returning more and more back out there again.

[boopadoop]

Video starts off with apple creating the first mouse, they had complex questions to solve such as how to lower the price and to be widely available. But Fast forward, They shifted from creating products, to systems able to solve the complex and difficult problems of the world. A book "Design for the real worlds" explains on how company's should shift from product's to the real problem's. A way is to observe human lives, asking questions on their shortcomings, and problems, asking why of those as well. The whole point is to come up with good questions. Taking your insight and coming up with ideas. Also good to mention that this system works best when compared with other people, especially who would have different outlooks and experiences to life. Then taking these ideas and coming up with ideas. (almost like the scientific prosses) Finally your able to test your ideas. Coming up with prototypes and deciding whether they solve the problem, solving the problems that come with the design till the idea behaves more like a system.

[irving.torres]

I love the process that the folks over at IDEO take to develop a new product. Truly amazing. We take so many things for granted.

[armandodiaz]

This is my favorite episode. I still come back to this video whenever I'm in a design funk!

[Wonginism]

Engineering, Design and Science share many similarities in method it really is one of the most important things to learn.

[EsIsJaNichtsMehrFrei]

My brother did his masters thesis about this topic exactly. Like literally a few weeks ago. Its really a great way for product development

[dianaalejandrareynagarcia]

Lo que me enseño la carrera de diseño desde el primer momento fue enseñarnos a observar nuestro alredor, cuestionar lo establecido y ser siempre curioso por cómo funciona el mundo y cómo podría ser. Gracias por tan buen vídeo <3

[Jvksiew]

Quality content as always. The idea creation is not just applied to Designers, but to almost all creative professions as well. Engineers

[feartactics]

the process described is the standard process at even boring corporations when something new needs to be created: assess/observe, design/develop, test, iterate.

[brendanforde]

I love how I paid 14000 dollars for my engineering tuition to take a course cause engineering design where we learn exactly this: problem statement, problem definition, concept generation, concept selection and prototype, and testing
Good I'm glad

[chair_in_pool]

Vox AND TED? Yes please! I absolutely love both of them, and it’s a real interesting topic. Very smooth transitions, wonderful graphics.

[LiekeElina]

I learn about Design Thinking every day on my university so it is fun to see it here on Vox now.

[randyh]

I naturally do this, but I love to help people, thanks for making it so I can this with others.

[joaomt]

just yell "panda" and "BRRRRAAA" at your problems