APPENDIX A: DESIGN THINKING

Design Thinking is a solution-based approach to problem solving. This methodology is inherently rapid, iterative and collaborative. It enables the designers to understand and empathize with users, challenges assumptions/anchors and re-frame problems.

One of the biggest challenges of designing is accepting imperfection and iteration. It is rare to create the perfect solution on the first try.

Rapidly prototyping helps with communicating initial concepts – quick sketches and models that enable potential users to test scope, scale, and intent. These are (potentially) disposable, editable and invite improvement.

The clearer the picture, the clearer the path.

At Archipelago, we love future casting. When envisioning a future state, immersing oneself into that narrative through all perspectives and experiences ultimately generates the most tangible actions towards that desired future.

We like to have our partners write short stories. Whether they are about the most effective meeting in the world, or the greenest ESG program in history – we want to know what it feels like. Who is there? Who does it impact? What are the results?

A charette is defined as an intense period of design or planning activity. It could refer to any collaborative session in which a group of designers draft a solution to a problem. In other words: a focused, cross-functional and time constrained working session in support of rapidly creating, testing and iterating.

Design thinking is a non-linear, iterative approach to problem solving. It is one approach – but one that we like to use with our clients to help with visualizing designs and re-framing perspectives on achieving desired future states.