Introduction to Design Thinking
डिज़ाइन आधारित चिंतन का परिचय
“Solve smarter. Build wiser.” Design toolkit
Glossary of Design Methods
A
Anticipatory Design
Definition: Designing solutions by breaking problems to their core truths and accounting for future disruptions.
Example: Redesigning a wallet to function without cash if digital payments dominate.
A/B Testing (Behavioral)
Definition: Comparing two design variants to measure user behavior, prioritizing ethical engagement over manipulation.
Example: Testing a login screen—Version A (auto-fill passwords) vs. Version B (manual entry with security tips)—to see which users trust more.
B
Biomimicry Definition: Using nature’s strategies to solve human design challenges. Example: Designing a cooling system inspired by termite mound ventilation.
C
Circular Systems
Definition: Combining design variables (materials, features) while ensuring zero waste through closed-loop systems.
Example: A sneaker made of mushroom leather and recycled rubber, designed to be composted after use.
Co-Design Definition: Collaborating with marginalised users to ensure solutions meet their needs. Example: Involving wheelchair users in designing accessible public transit.
Combinatorial Design
Definition: Methodically exploring all possible combinations of design elements (materials, shapes, functions) to discover optimal solutions.
Example: Testing 20+ material combinations for a water bottle (glass + silicone sleeve vs. stainless steel + cork base) to find the most durable yet eco-friendly option.
D
Design for Disassembly
Definition: Creating products with standardized, separable components that can be easily repaired, upgraded, or recycled.
Example: A smartphone with snap-out modules (replaceable camera, battery) instead of glued components.
E
Emotional Durability
Definition: Designing products that develop meaning over time through personalization, storytelling, or adaptive functionality.
Example: A wedding ring with grooves that wear uniquely with each year of marriage, becoming more valuable with age.
Equity Lens Definition: Evaluating designs based on their impact on underserved groups. Example: Prioritising voice control in an app for users with limited literacy.
Ethical FMEA (Failure Modes & Effects Analysis) Definition: Mapping how a system could fail, including ethical harms (e.g., bias, exclusion). Example: A social media app analysing how its algorithm might amplify hate speech.
F
First Principles Thinking
Definition: Breaking down problems to fundamental truths to innovate from the ground up.
Example: Redefining a “battery” by questioning its core purpose (storing energy) to design a solar-powered chargeable battery.
N
Neurodiversity
Definition: Designing for human errors and sensory/cognitive differences (e.g., dyslexia, autism).
Example: An app with a “mistake mode” that lets users undo actions for 10 seconds and offers text-to-speech navigation.
P
Power Analysis Definition: Assessing who benefits (or is excluded) by a design’s simplicity or complexity. Example: A “simplified” tax-filing software that inadvertently excludes non-English speakers.
R
Radical Simplicity Definition: Removing non-essential features to focus on core functionality. Example: A meditation app with only a “start/stop” button and no ads.
Regenerative Design Definition: Creating systems that actively restore ecosystems. Example: A building with a green roof that supports local pollinators.
S
SCAMPER
Definition: A creativity checklist to innovate by Substituting, Combining, Adapting, Modifying, Putting to another use, Eliminating, or Reversing features.
Example: Reverse: A water bottle with a fold-out cup for sharing. Combine: A backpack with a built-in USB charger.
T
Tolerance for Error Definition: Designing forgiving systems that prevent or mitigate mistakes. Example: A “confirm before delete” prompt in cloud storage.
Prolog Collective 