AI-Infused Design Thinking
Hey, nice to meet you! I'm an industrial designer, and I've had my fair share of experiences from those big corporate gigs to the more cozy design agencies. Wherever I go, I bring along my trusty design thinking principles. And then, I helped start up Co-Hub, a place where we take those principles and crank 'em up to eleven, all in the name of innovation.
Now, let's talk about the crazy world we're living in. Technology is zooming ahead like a rocket strapped to its back, and how we do things is always changing. So, what's a designer to do? Well, I reckon we gotta keep our eyes peeled and our minds open, always looking for new ways to stay ahead of the game.
That's where this article comes in. I wanna chat about what happens when you mix AI with design thinking. It's like throwing peanut butter and chocolate into the same jar, you end up with something pretty darn delicious. With AI in our toolkit, we could turn the whole problem-solving game on its head and cook up some seriously cool innovations. So, let's dive in and see what kind of magic we can stir up together, shall we?
Image created by Midjourney
What the heck is design thinking?
Design thinking first popped up as a way to teach engineers how to think more like designers when solving problems, putting humans right at the center. It started brewing back in the 1980s and 1990s, gradually gaining steam. Then, in 2004, the Stanford d.school led the charge in teaching design thinking, showing how it could fuel innovation in both technical and social realms.
“Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.”
At its heart, design thinking mixes together a bunch of ideas with a step-by-step process. It's all about looking at complex problems from every angle, focusing on people.
This method is all about turning ideas into real, solid products or processes in a smart and efficient way. It uses tools like organizing information, branding rules, sketches, visual plans, mapping out the user experience, and designing how users interact with stuff.
Design thinking thrives on having specialists who really get what users need and can work their magic across all sorts of areas, like software, gadgets, how businesses connect with folks, and managing customer experiences.
Sure, diving into design thinking might feel like a bit of a puzzle at first, but it's all about creating a vibe in a company that's ready to roll with the punches in today's ever-changing business world. Plus, it allows everyone to pitch in with something that really matters.
Putting empathy and teamwork front and center in the design process isn't just good for business; it's good for the world too. It's all about making sure what a company does lines up with what people really need.
AI: The Sneaky Secret Sauce of Design Thinking Innovation
Artificial Intelligence is like that friend who can seamlessly blend into any group, showing off its skills and making everyone's life a bit easier. Whether it's in healthcare, finance, or any other field, AI's knack for handling massive amounts of data has completely changed the game. And in the world of design thinking, AI is like the secret sauce that's shaking things up big time.
Thanks to AI's super-smart predictive analytics, machine learning tricks, and understanding human language, the cool kids in the design world are finding all sorts of new ways to understand what people want and how the market moves. By bringing AI into the mix, designers get their hands on some seriously high-tech tools that can dig deep into complex data and help them make smarter choices.
It's a team effort, really. AI and change go hand in hand, especially when it comes to design. Following a framework that starts with empathy, gets those creative juices flowing, defines the problem, tests out ideas, and then builds prototypes just makes sense. Companies need to take a good look at how they're using AI and see where design thinking can fit in. That's the way forward, according to a bunch of smart folks who study this stuff – blending design thinking with AI is where the real innovation magic happens.
“Design thinking increasingly is about working alongside intelligent machines that can augment and amplify our capabilities.”
Bridging Design Thinking Tradition with Innovation in the Age of AI
In the world of design thinking, the main focus has always been on people – it's like being the host of a party who constantly checks if everyone has enough snacks. But with technology advancing at lightning speed, design needs to keep pace, much like a parent trying to keep up with a hyperactive toddler.
Let's breeze through the five stages of design thinking and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can add some spice:
Empathize:
Imagine AI as your savvy detective friend, scouring social media and reviews to understand people's emotions. It's like Sherlock Holmes with a digital makeover, uncovering mysteries about user desires. For instance, when AI predicts your pizza craving or suggests a movie night based on your preferences, it feels like having a psychic buddy who knows your needs. As Rachel from Google Design suggests, AI is like a moldable material that adapts to users. (Google Design. AI and design: Putting people first. 2019)
Define:
AI helps us sort through data, like piecing together a puzzle to see the big picture. It's like having a helpful assistant organizing things so we can focus on what truly matters. And when AI predicts your post-stress cat video binge, it's like having a friend who really gets you.
Once we figure out what's important to users, it's time to tackle the challenge. We use tools like "How Might We" statements for this. Daniel Logan-Gill did just that in his ChatGPT experiment with Luma’s design thinking method. Starting with the challenge of boosting the positive perception of NFTs, he generated 25 potential solutions. ChatGPT then pinpointed the one with the most economic impact: “How might we help creators and artists discover new ways to make money through NFTs?”
This choice perfectly sums up how AI defined our problem. The article hit the nail on the head when it said, "...this was the HMW that was selected along with the justification..."
In the end, using AI in the design thinking process shows how it can lead us to exciting solutions, like empowering creators with NFT opportunities. As AI evolves, it'll keep playing a big part in solving problems and making decisions.
Ideate:
AI offers a dynamic brainstorming experience, like having a lively chat with a creative friend. It's like dreaming up wild inventions together, with AI even suggesting sprinkles on your morning toast for that extra burst of inspiration.
When researchers Sven Seidenstricker and Heiko Fischer interacted with ChatGPT, they were amazed by its ability to generate a wide range of ideas. Not only can it tweak and expand its suggestions upon request, but it can also seamlessly blend different ideas. The ChatGPT’s ability to develop and refine ideas, either on its own or with just a little input, makes it even more intriguing. (Fischer, Dres, Seidenstricker (2023) Application of ChatGPT in Design Thinking)
Despite ChatGPT's knack for generating more ideas than a human, it comes with its own set of challenges. Just like humans, it can struggle to connect ideas intricately. Sometimes, after multiple revisions, it might stray from the task at hand, producing ideas that don't quite fit or repeating itself.
Moreover, while ChatGPT offers detailed descriptions of ideas, there's room for improvement. The evaluation of competition, similar solutions, idea originality and feasibility, and market analysis could be clearer.
To sum it up, ideating with AI shows great promise for idea generation, with room for fine-tuning to make it even more effective and user-friendly.
Prototype:
With AI, prototyping becomes a breeze, almost like a magic wand bringing your sketches to life. It's like trying on various outfits before a special occasion, except here, AI helps you visualize your designs. When AI creates a virtual dress fitting, it feels like having a stylish friend guiding you through the process.
If you browse the internet, you'll find tons of examples showcasing how AI can transform sketches into high-quality images and renders. In the prototyping stage, UX designers often make the most of AI's 2D capabilities. While there aren't as many examples for industrial designers yet, I believe there's a wealth of untapped potential waiting to be discovered.
Test:
Utilizing AI for testing feels akin to having a supportive companion who assists in deciphering feedback, much like a coach analyzing game footage after a match. For instance, when testing a new website layout, AI can analyze user interactions and provide insights on areas for improvement, similar to how a coach identifies weak spots in a team's performance.
It's all about refining ideas until they're just right – like tweaking a recipe for culinary perfection. For example, when testing a new smartphone interface, AI can analyze user feedback and suggest adjustments to optimize usability, much like adjusting ingredients in a recipe to enhance flavor and texture.
AI acts as a guide, offering boundaries to bounce ideas against, aiding in the refinement process. For instance, when testing a prototype for a new car design, AI can simulate various driving scenarios and provide feedback on safety features, helping designers fine-tune their concepts for optimal performance on the road.
By blending AI and design thinking, we open doors to human-centered design on a whole new level. It's about adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to greatness. Through AI's transformative power, we're not just designing products; we're shaping a future that's bold and brilliant. And, of course, I got some invaluable assistance from ChatGPT in crafting this article, which is a testament to the collaborative potential of humans and AI. Stay tuned for my next piece, where I delve even deeper into the symbiotic relationship between AI and design thinking. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences!
SILA
References
H. Fischer, M. Dres, S. Seidenstricker (2023) Application of ChatGPT in Design Thinking, Ideation, (pp 161-162) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375112036_Application_of_ChatGPT_in_Design_Thinking
T. Jylkäs, S. Miettinen (2019) From Hype to Practice: Revealing the Effects of AI in Service Design AI: History, Forms and Application, (pp 3-4) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333973635_From_Hype_to_Practice_Revealing_the_Effects_of_AI_in_Service_Design
Daniel Logan Gill, (2023) Experiment #1: Taking ChatGPT through a Design Thinking framework https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/taking-chatgtp-through-design-thinking-framework-daniel-logan-gill/
D. Martinez, (2024) Lean AI-Centric Design Methodology https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377233291_Lean_AI-Centric_Design_Methodology
Smith, M. L., & Neupane, S. (2018, April). Artificial intelligence and human development. Toward a research agenda, http://hdl.handle.net/10625/56949
McCarthy, E. (2017, October 18). “Augmented intelligence”: Combining human intelligence and technology. https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2017/10/18/augmented-intelligence-combining-human-intelligence-and-technology/
Google Design. AI and design: Putting people first, https://design.google/library/ai-design-roundtable-discussion/