Blog 53: Another popular design process: Double Diamond Process

As seen in previous blog, Five Stage Design Thinking is a widely popular framework. The importance of these frameworks have been talked about in blog 52. They bring in structure into the creative part of UX (user experience). Where, science and art come together to build products that delight users.

Another, popular framework is the Double Diamond Process. This is a four-stage process and has designated stages for divergent and convergent modes of thinking (a key difference compared to Five Stage Design Thinking, where these two modes of thinking are spread across the five stages). Divergent style of thinking is about brainstorming, generating, and exploring the entire space. Convergent style of thinking is about choosing and combining a select few that have merit. The four stages are: discover, define, develop, and deliver.

Stage 1 – Discover/Research (divergent strategy): Understand users, their needs and problems (through primary and secondary research). Primary research includes, user interviews, surveys, etc.

Stage 2 – Define (convergent strategy): Select the user problems that we want to solve. It is important to thoroughly understand our users. Leverage relevant frameworks (blog 14 on personas and blog 16 on customer journey map).

Stage 3 – Develop (divergent execution): Generate a wide range of ideas for possible solutions through brainstorms, workshops, prototypes, etc. Test different solutions within small groups.

This is a good time to use the HMW method. Use How Might We question to explore ideas. In this stage, we do not eliminate or shoot down any idea.

How: This question encourages the exploration of more solutions.

Might: This statement considers that our ideas are plausible but not yet confirmed.

We: This mindset indicates that the solution building process is collaborative. And we need to identify what we can do to make the solution a reality.

Stage 4 – Deliver (convergent execution): Select, develop, and deliver the solution. Continue evaluating, testing, and iterating to meet user needs.

This methodology was formalised by the British Design Council in 2005 through an in-depth study of 11 global brands, including LEGO, Microsoft, Sony, and Starbucks.

Jump to blog 100 to refer to the overall product management mind map.

Source: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/design-thinking-a-quick-overview#7._the_“double_diamond”_design_process_model—design_council-7

I wish you the best for your journey. 😊