Innovation
Labs

Design Thinking

Design Thinking is a solution-based approach to solving problems, centered on developing empathy for, and a deeper understanding of, the consumer.

An iterative, solution-based approach to solving problems​

Design thinking is used industry-wide by companies and universities to solve problems, generate ideas, and accelerate innovation. Using this method, we can approach problems in a more human-centric way and develop a deeper understanding of the people we create and design for.

AARP has evolved and developed its design thinking process to create a framework that’s iterative, non-linear, fluid, and fast. Through this process, we can generate stronger ideas, be more hands-on in experimentation and testing, and use failure as a tool to further develop understanding of the consumer.

Design Thinking Phases​

  • Understand

    Understand the challenges facing us, from market dynamics to the competitive landscape.

  • Listen

    Listen to consumers and immerse ourselves in their experiences via 1:1 interviews, focus groups, and more.

  • Ideate

    Develop lots of ideas based on insights gathered from consumer immersions, using world-class tools from design thinking leaders across a variety of industries.

  • Prototype

    Create prototypes to bring ideas to life; anything from scrappy arts & craft projects to clickable PDFs.

  • Iterate

    Iterate and conduct experiments to test hypotheses, refine ideas re-examine them and test with consumers to stay true to solutions that meet consumer needs.

Resources

Behave Like a Design Thinker

Break-a-Rule

Picture This

Sun Technique

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