Andrew Humphries
Aug 28, 2017 · 2 min read

I’ve helped teach DT in a variety of settings and I largely agree with you. I’ve met a lot of people trying to solve messy, difficult problems — ranging from someone in a huge newspaper publishing business trying to fix declining revenues to a small-business owner trying to open a retail space that people will find interesting (in-process!). The people I’ve worked with have benefitted tremendously from the ‘permission to be creative’ that Design Thinking gives.

Anyone who says DT is a replacement for the craft of design is either woefully misinformed or setting up a straw man. The big publishing company used DT to come up with new understanding of user needs and had some interesting, novel (to them) ways to appeal to customers. But they needed design to bring those ideas to users in a ‘real’ form. After a DT sprint, the small business may have a new sense for the vibe of the store, and even a specific idea for a way to display products, but he’ll likely need a designer to bring those ideas to life (especially if he gets his wish and goes beyond one location).

Finally, I know Doug and she couldn’t have picked a poorer example. That guy is a crazy talented designer and used DT to frame the challenge in a new way and push for new solutions. It’s not cartoon characters on the wall, it’s a very thoughtful experience for every sick kid who needs a scan — from what the letter confirming appointment looks like to how the staff at the clinic speak to them and beyond. He’s deeply committed to using design to help people in the best possible way.

)

    Andrew Humphries

    Written by

    Head of School at Harrison Metal.