Design Thinking Process, Freedom of Speech & Transformation
Every soul possesses its sacred haven, a realm of solace and familiarity. Be it an individual or an esteemed organization, the mere notion of transformation can emerge as a haunting specter. Such apprehension invariably arises from our intimate existence, casting its formidable influence upon society’s tapestry and the very fabric of the companies that employ us.
In the modern era, design thinking processes have become a hot topic of discussion across companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. Everyone seems eager to adopt this process in their organizations. However, the sad truth is that most of them merely pretend to follow design thinking without truly embodying its spirit. It can be quite challenging to find organizations that genuinely embrace the authentic essence of the design thinking process.
In my perspective, the ethical aspect of the design thinking process is akin to the freedom of speech. It empowers individuals, regardless of their role as stakeholders, senior staff, or junior employees, to voice their ideas openly. Within this framework, genuine intentionality prevails, and everyone truly listens to one another. If a design thinking process fails to instill confidence in expressing ideas, then, regrettably, it cannot be considered true design thinking.
Another common characteristic between design thinking and freedom of speech is to understand people. Freedom of speech is not solely about expressing oneself; it also encourages active listening, understanding others’ problems, and empathizing with their situations. Similarly, in the initial stage of the design thinking process, known as emphasis, we place importance on these very aspects – listening attentively, comprehending challenges, and genuinely connecting with the experiences of others.
Criticism, a notable trait shared by both freedom of speech and the design thinking process, holds its own beauty. Sadly, many individuals lack a genuine understanding of constructive criticism. In our everyday lives, both personal and professional, we often belittle others under the guise of criticism. However, true criticism necessitates a pure understanding of another person’s ideas or ideology. It is fundamentally linked to the emphasis stage, where we first empathize with the other person. If differences arise, they can be expressed politely and respectfully.
