Introduction to Design Thinking
Visual Journal
Sub Code: DES1146 Name: AKASH UDDAR
Credit: LTPC – 1-0-0-1 Roll No: 20241CSE0836
Course Instructor: Dr. Ashok Itagi Year: 2025
PHY Cycle – Even Sem
Sl. No Heading Page No Remarks
Module – 1
Definition of D.T
Examples of D.T
Module – 2
Brain Storming
EDIPT
Purpose full Designs
SCAMPER Technique
5W1H Technique
Synectics – Metaphor
Gesalt, Anagrams
Identified Problem – 1
List of common
inadequacy
HCD – Human
Centered Design
(Name & Signature of Student) (Name & Signature of C.I)
Definition of Design Thinking
What is Design Thinking?
Design Thinking is a human-centred, problem-solving approach that
focuses on deeply understanding the needs, behaviours, and challenges of
people. It combines empathy, creativity, and logic to generate innovative
solutions that are both effective and meaningful.
Rather than jumping straight to solutions, design thinking encourages us to
first step into the shoes of the user — to empathize with their experiences
and uncover their real problems. Then, through structured stages like
defining the problem, brainstorming (ideation), rapid prototyping, and
testing, we explore multiple ideas and refine them based on feedback.
Design Thinking is iterative — meaning we often go back and forth
between stages as we learn more. It’s not just used by designers, but by
engineers, entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone trying to solve real-world
problems in a better, more user-focused way.
Key Elements of Design Thinking
Empathy: Understanding users emotionally and practically
Ideation: Thinking freely and creatively without fear of failure
Prototyping: Building simple versions of ideas to test and learn
Iteration: Improving ideas through feedback and constant
refinement
User-centricity: The user is at the heart of every decision
Examples of Design Thinking
IDEO Shopping Cart Redesign (Case Study)
IDEO, a design company, was challenged by ABC News to redesign the
traditional shopping cart in just 5 days using the Design Thinking process.
Their goal was to make it safer, more user-friendly, and efficient.
Design Thinking Process Applied
Empathize:
IDEO’s team visited supermarkets and interviewed real users —
shoppers, employees, and children — to understand pain points like
theft, bulky carts, unsafe child seating, and maneuverability
issues.
Define:
They narrowed down the key problems:
o Unsafe for children
o Poor organization of items
o Difficult to move in tight spaces
o Vulnerable to theft and vandalism
Ideate:
Using brainstorming and collaborative sketching, the team came
up with numerous ideas, from modular baskets to carts with built-in
scanners.
Prototype:
A physical prototype was built with the following features:
o Small detachable baskets instead of one big cart
o Safer child seat placed behind the handle
o Improved wheels for better movement
o Sleek, compact, and modular design
Test:
The prototype was tested with users, who gave positive feedback on
the improvements in safety and usability.
Key Features of the Final Design
Modular baskets allow shoppers to carry baskets individually or
detach them for easy loading.
Child safety seat is placed behind the cart handle for better visibility
and control.
Compact frame with smoother wheels allows better navigation in
aisles.
Anti-theft features were considered in the design process
Reflection
This project is a powerful example of Design Thinking because:
It focused on real user needs instead of assumptions.
It used collaboration, creativity, and quick prototyping.
The final design wasn’t just a concept — it was functional, tested,
and based on empathy.
IDEO’s redesign of the shopping cart is proof that even everyday objects
can be reimagined in a better way when we apply design thinking
methods.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a creative technique used in Design Thinking to generate
a large number of ideas in a short amount of time. The goal is to encourage
free thinking without judgment — even wild or unusual ideas are
welcome. It works best when done collaboratively, allowing diverse
perspectives to come together.
In brainstorming:
There are no wrong answers
Quantity is encouraged over quality at first
Ideas can build on one another
All thoughts are welcomed openly
Our Class Activity: Brainstorming in Action
In class, we did a simple but effective brainstorming activity.
Our sir wrote a question on the board:
“Why do students come late to class?”
We were given a few minutes to think individually and write down our
answers on sticky notes. Once done, we walked up and stuck our notes
around the central question on the board. This created a cluster of ideas
from different perspectives, such as:
Woke up late
Traffic issues
Previous class got extended
Didn’t hear the alarm
Lost track of time while eating
This activity showed us how brainstorming can quickly collect diverse
ideas, identify common patterns, and even spark new questions. It helped
us see the problem from multiple angles, which is a key principle in
Design Thinking.
EDIPT – The 5 Stages of Design Thinking
Example: Improving the College Canteen Experience
Design Thinking uses the EDIPT framework to approach real-world
problems in a structured and user-focused way. Below is how each stage
would apply if we were trying to improve the experience students have in
the college canteen.
1. Empathize
This stage focuses on understanding the users’ needs and challenges. We
observe, interact, and listen without judgment.
Action:
We spoke to students, canteen staff, and even observed people during
lunch hours.
Findings:
Long queues during peak hours
Lack of cleanliness
Not enough seating
Menu isn’t updated or visible
Cash-only payments slow things down
2. Define
Now we identify the core problem based on insights from the previous
step. A well-defined problem guides better solutions.
Problem Statement:
College students need a faster, cleaner, and more convenient way to access
food in the canteen because long wait times, limited seating, and poor
visibility of the menu make the experience frustrating and time-
consuming.
3. Ideate
Here, we brainstorm creative ideas to solve the problem. At this stage, no
idea is too wild, and quantity is more important than quality.
Ideas generated:
A mobile app to pre-order food
Live digital menu display screens
Queue token system
Foldable outdoor seating
Contactless card or UPI payments
Feedback button at tables for service quality
4. Prototype
Now we build quick, low-cost versions of the selected ideas to try them
out in real life.
Prototypes built:
A sample app interface with a pre-order option
A mock-up of a digital screen showing real-time menu updates
Cardboard model of foldable seating
A simple token card system to simulate order numbers
5. Test
This is where we gather user feedback on the prototypes and see what
works, what doesn’t, and what needs improvement.
What we learned:
Students liked the idea of ordering food in advance
The menu screen was helpful but needs to be placed where it’s easily
visible
Staff found the token system simple to use
Outdoor seating was appreciated, but weather protection was
suggested
Iteration:
Design Thinking is flexible. After testing, we went back to Ideation to
improve outdoor seating by suggesting collapsible roofing. The app
interface was updated to include payment options and estimated wait time
Conclusion:
This example shows how EDIPT helps us move from understanding the
problem to testing real solutions, all while keeping the user at the center.
Instead of guessing, we designed with empathy and feedback — which is
what makes Design Thinking so powerful.
Design Flaws
A design flaw is a problem or weakness in the way a product, system, or
service is built or functions. These flaws often occur when user needs are
not considered properly, or when practical usability is ignored in favor of
aesthetics, cost-cutting, or assumptions.
Design flaws can lead to:
User confusion or frustration
Safety hazards
Inefficiency or low performance
Wasted resources and redesign costs
Common Real-World Examples of Design Flaws
1. Push Doors with Pull Handles
A classic design mistake — when a door has a handle that looks like you
should pull, but the sign says “PUSH.” This creates user confusion and
disrupts flow, especially in public spaces like restaurants or malls.
2. Stairs with No Contrast Edges
Some staircases (especially in offices or hotels) use uniform colors for
each step. Without contrast or visible markings, people can misjudge the
step depth — leading to trips or falls.
Why Do Design Flaws Happen?
Designers didn’t empathize with the user.
Not tested with real users.
Focused too much on appearance over function.
Ignored accessibility or inclusivity.
Lack of iteration and feedback.
Purposeful Designs
Purposeful design means creating products, systems, or services that are
intentionally built to solve real user problems. Unlike flashy or overly
complex designs, a purposeful design puts function, clarity, and user needs
first. It’s about doing more with less — with empathy, simplicity, and
usefulness at its core.
These designs are:
Easy to use
Intuitive and efficient
Solving real-world problems
Often inclusive and accessible
Tested and improved with user feedback
Examples of Purposeful Design
1. Milk Packets with Tear Notch
Many milk or juice packets now have a small triangular notch at the
corner, making them easy to open without scissors — simple and user-
friendly.
2. Eraser with Two Ends
One side is soft (for pencil), and the other is rough (for pen). A small,
affordable tool that meets two very different needs — simple, efficient,
and clever.
Why Purposeful Design Matters
Saves time and effort
Builds trust with users
Increases accessibility
Enhances user satisfaction
Reduces errors or misuse
SCAMPER Technique
SCAMPER is a creative thinking and idea-generation technique that helps
in innovating existing products or developing new solutions. It encourages
designers to look at a problem or product from different angles, triggering
fresh ideas by asking guided questions in seven categories.
The SCAMPER Steps:
Substitute: What can be substituted or replaced?
Combine: What can be combined to create something new?
Adapt: How can we adapt something to make it work in a new way?
Modify: What can be modified or magnified?
Put to another use: How can it be used in a different context?
Eliminate: What can be removed or simplified?
Rearrange: What can be rearranged or reversed?
SCAMPER Example:
Product: FamApp
Substitute: Replace the fixed transaction limit with a tiered limit
based on user verification.
Combine: Merge security features with a user-friendly transaction
approval system (e.g., OTP for large transactions but fingerprint for
smaller ones).
Adapt: Modify FamApp to support international transactions for
young travelers.
Modify: Improve the QR customization feature to allow users to set
default amounts for recurring payments.
Put to Another Use: Extend FamApp’s use to educational
institutions for fee payments.
Eliminate: Remove the frequent update pop-ups by enabling
background updates.
Reverse/Rearrange: Allow payments first and sync transactions
later for smoother offline functionality.
Why SCAMPER is Valuable:
Stimulates creativity
Encourages innovation
Helps find improvements
Sparks new solutions
5W1H Technique
The 5W1H technique is a systematic questioning framework used to
deeply understand a problem, situation, or idea. It breaks down a complex
issue into six simple but powerful questions — What, Why, When,
Where, Who, and How. By addressing these questions, designers,
problem-solvers, and teams can uncover the true nature of a problem, spot
hidden challenges, and generate clearer insights.
This method encourages structured thinking and complete analysis, which
is essential in the Define and Ideate stages of Design Thinking. Rather
than jumping to assumptions or superficial answers, the 5W1H approach
guides us to ask the right questions before designing the right solutions.
It is widely used in:
Journalism (for story investigation)
Business and project planning
Root cause analysis
User research and interviews
Innovation and product design
In Design Thinking, this tool helps ensure that user pain points, context,
and conditions are fully understood, so that the solutions created are
meaningful, relevant, and focused.
Example: Addressing AI and Job Displacement Through the 5W1H
Lens
1. What – What’s the Issue?
The main issue is that as AI tools and systems become more advanced,
many jobs are being automated. Tasks like answering customer service
calls, entering data, or even basic decision-making are now done by
machines. For companies, this means lower costs and faster operations.
But for workers, especially those in jobs with repetitive tasks, it creates a
sense of uncertainty and fear.
People are worried about losing their livelihoods. Some are already facing
layoffs because their roles have been replaced by software or machines.
This isn’t just about losing jobs—it’s about losing stability and dignity,
and that affects both mental health and overall well-being.
2. Why – Why Is This Happening?
A few key reasons stand out:
Tech is advancing fast: AI is becoming more capable and
affordable, so it’s easier for companies to use it.
Cost-cutting: Replacing workers with machines saves money on
salaries, insurance, and other benefits.
Efficiency: Machines don’t get tired, need breaks, or call in sick.
They can work 24/7.
Global competition: To stay ahead, businesses are looking for every
edge—including automation.
Lack of preparation: Many industries and governments weren’t
ready for the speed of AI growth, and people weren’t given time or
tools to adapt.
Education gaps: Not everyone has access to the right kind of
training to shift into tech-related or future-proof jobs.
These reasons combine to create a situation where AI is growing, but
people are struggling to keep up.
3. Who – Who’s Affected?
AI's impact touches almost everyone in some way, but certain groups are
more directly affected:
Workers: Especially those in repetitive jobs like clerical work, call
centers, or manufacturing.
Job seekers: New graduates or career switchers who lack experience
in tech may find it harder to land stable jobs.
Employers: They must balance automation with employee morale
and ethical responsibility.
Governments: They need to build safety nets and policy
frameworks to protect workers.
Educators: Schools and colleges must rethink what they teach to
help prepare students for future jobs.
Tech companies: These businesses create the tools, and they need to
consider the social impact of their innovations.
Families and communities: Entire households can be affected when
one or more members lose jobs or struggle to adapt.
4. When – When Is This Happening?
It’s happening right now—and it's not going to stop anytime soon. Some
jobs are already automated, and more are on the way. Studies suggest
millions of jobs around the world could disappear by 2030 due to
automation.
This isn’t just a one-time shift. AI is constantly evolving, which means the
job market will continue to change. The quicker companies adopt AI, the
more urgent it becomes for workers to adapt. The next 5 to 10 years will
be especially crucial in shaping the future of employment.
5. Where – Where Is This Happening Most?
The effects of AI are global, but some regions feel it more than others:
Developed countries: Here, automation is growing rapidly. But
there are also more training programs and resources available.
Developing countries: These areas face a bigger challenge.
Automation might arrive slower, but when it does, the impact could
be more severe due to fewer support systems.
Cities: Urban areas usually adopt new technologies faster, affecting
jobs in sectors like retail, banking, and transportation.
Rural areas: May fall behind in both job opportunities and access to
tech education, widening the digital divide.
Without careful planning, AI could worsen global inequality, leaving some
communities even more vulnerable than before.
6. How – How Can We Solve This?
There are many ways we can take positive steps forward:
Teach new skills: Governments and companies should invest in
training programs that teach in-demand skills like coding, data
analysis, and digital literacy.
Promote lifelong learning: Encourage people to keep learning
through online courses, community workshops, or company-
sponsored training.
Support people in transition: Offer unemployment benefits, job
placement programs, and mental health resources to those affected.
Focus on jobs AI can’t do: Roles requiring empathy, creativity, or
human judgment—like teachers, nurses, or counselors—should be
valued and supported.
Make AI ethical: Developers must design AI tools that support
people, not just replace them. Ethical guidelines should be a priority.
Team up: Governments, tech companies, schools, and nonprofits
should work together to build a fair and future-ready workforce.
Update education systems: Schools should focus on future skills, from
critical thinking to adaptability, starting at an early age.
Spread awareness: People need to know what’s happening, what
options they have, and how they can take action. Public campaigns
and local outreach can make a big difference.
How It Helps in Design Thinking
Helps you understand the root of a problem
Encourages critical thinking
Lays the foundation for problem statements
Supports brainstorming focused solutions
Synectics: Unlocking Creative Connections
Synectics is a powerful creative thinking method that helps you go
beyond logic and tap into imagination. It encourages making unusual
connections between unrelated ideas, helping designers discover
innovative solutions that logical thinking alone might miss.
The goal of Synectics is to make the strange familiar and the familiar
strange. By using tools like metaphors, visual psychology (Gestalt), and
wordplay (anagrams), Synectics stimulates the brain to approach
problems from unexpected angles — a perfect fit for Design Thinking's
Ideate phase.
Three powerful Synectics tools are:
1. Metaphor | 2. Gestalt | 3. Anagrams
These help open up new directions in ideation and deepen
understanding of design challenges.
1. Metaphor – Comparing to Understand Better
A metaphor is a way to describe something by comparing it to something
else — often from a different context or domain. It helps us visualize
problems differently, tap into emotions, and generate fresh ideas by
shifting our perspective.
Why it’s used:
Makes abstract problems easier to understand.
Encourages imaginative and symbolic thinking.
Useful in product design, storytelling, branding, and UI design.
Example 1:
Problem: Students are stressed with multiple tasks.
Metaphor: Think of the mind as a cluttered desk → Solution? A time-
management tool that “clears the desk” visually and helps organize mental
space.
Example 2:
Problem: Users forget to hydrate.
Metaphor: The body is like a plant → Needs watering!
→ This could lead to a fun hydration reminder app with a plant avatar that
wilts or blooms based on how much water the user drinks.
2. Gestalt – Seeing the Bigger Picture
Gestalt comes from psychology and refers to the way we perceive objects
and patterns. It teaches us that our brains naturally group things and form
patterns — even when parts are missing. This principle is essential in
design, visual communication, and user experience.
Why it’s used:
Helps designers create layouts that are visually appealing and
intuitive.
Makes the user experience smooth by leveraging natural human
perception.
Aids in understanding how users will interact with visual prototypes.
Key Gestalt Principles:
Closure: Our mind fills in missing information (e.g., seeing a full
shape from broken lines).
Proximity: Elements placed close together are seen as a group.
Similarity: Similar-looking elements are assumed to be related.
Figure-Ground: We distinguish the main object from the
background.
Example:
Imagine designing an app interface:
Instead of adding lines and borders everywhere, use spacing and grouping
so users naturally understand what belongs together.
3. Anagrams – Playing with Words to Spark Ideas
An anagram is a rearrangement of the letters of a word or phrase to form
a new word or idea. This technique adds a playful, linguistic angle to
creativity and is often used in naming, branding, or exploring hidden
meanings.
Why it’s used:
Breaks linear thought patterns.
Reveals symbolic or thematic connections.
Helps generate unique names, slogans, or prompts.
Example 1:
"Listen" → "Silent" — Reveals the connection between silence
and listening, helpful for designing a meditation or focus tool.
Example 2:
"Heart" → "Earth" — Could inspire branding or logos for eco-
friendly or wellness products.
Identified Problem: Traffic Congestion & Poor Reachability in
Electronic City, Bangalore
The Problem:
Electronic City is one of Bangalore's busiest tech and industrial hubs, but
it faces two major urban challenges:
1. Heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak office and college
hours.
2. Limited accessibility from many parts of the city, making daily
commutes slow, exhausting, and inconsistent.
Why it Matters:
Thousands of students and professionals travel to and from
Electronic City every day.
The existing infrastructure cannot handle the growing volume of
vehicles.
Poor last-mile connectivity and inadequate public transport
discourage sustainable commuting.
These issues cause lost productivity, stress, fuel wastage, and
increased pollution.
Who is Affected:
College students
IT professionals
Local residents
Public transport users
Delivery personnel and workers
Where & How it Happens:
Major choke points at Silk Board Junction, Bommanahalli, and
Hosur Road.
Limited metro or suburban rail access near Electronic City.
Over-dependence on personal vehicles due to unreliable or
indirect public transport.
Proposed Design Thinking Solutions:
"How Might We" Statement:
How might we reduce traffic and improve connectivity to Electronic City
from all areas of Bangalore in a fast, affordable, and sustainable way?
1. Smart Public Transport Network
Introduce dedicated BMTC express buses connecting major hubs
(Whitefield, Hebbal, KR Puram) to Electronic City.
Add real-time bus tracking and app integration for route
optimization.
Extend Namma Metro or increase feeder bus services from metro
stations.
2. Last-Mile Connectivity Enhancements
Set up e-scooter docks, rental bikes, and e-rickshaw zones around
campuses and tech parks.
Develop safe pedestrian walkways and cycling infrastructure to
reduce short-distance car use.
3. Promote Carpooling and Shared Mobility
Build incentives or apps to encourage carpooling among college
students or IT workers.
Partner with cab aggregators for affordable shared rides to key
institutions.
4. Time-Staggered Entry & Smart Traffic Signals
Work with institutions to stagger entry times for schools, colleges,
and offices.
Implement AI-based traffic signal management systems that adapt to
real-time congestion.
List of Common Inadequacies – Transportation in Electronic
City, Bangalore
Electronic City is a major IT and educational hub in Bangalore. Despite
being highly active and economically significant, the transportation and
connectivity systems around this area suffer from serious inadequacies.
These gaps affect thousands of daily commuters — students, IT
professionals, workers — who rely on consistent, efficient travel to
Electronic City from different parts of Bangalore.
Identified Inadequacies:
1. No Direct Metro Connectivity
o The Namma Metro line currently does not extend to Electronic
City.
o Commuters are forced to take a combination of metro, bus,
and auto — which increases time, effort, and cost.
o For a tech-heavy region, the absence of a metro link reduces
accessibility and contributes to congestion.
2. Unreliable BMTC Bus Services
o BMTC buses are often overcrowded, delayed, and poorly
scheduled.
o There are fewer direct routes from key residential areas to
Electronic City.
o Buses are less frequent during non-peak hours, causing longer
waiting times.
3. Lack of Last-Mile Connectivity
o Even after reaching Electronic City, commuters often walk
long distances or depend on costly autos to reach their exact
destination.
o There’s a lack of structured e-rickshaws, shuttle vans, or cycle
lanes.
4. Severe Traffic Congestion
o Key junctions like Silk Board, Hosur Road, and
Bommanahalli are constantly jammed.
o Travel time increases significantly, especially during office
and college peak hours.
o This leads to mental fatigue, lost time, and higher fuel
consumption.
5. Absence of Real-Time Transit Information
o Most buses lack real-time tracking or digital displays.
o Commuters don’t know when the next bus is arriving, leading
to uncertainty and inefficiency.
6. Unsafe or Uncomfortable Bus Stops
o Bus stops in and around Electronic City often lack shelters,
seating, and proper lighting.
o During rainy or hot weather, waiting becomes uncomfortable
and unsafe, especially for women and older people.
7. Limited Integration Between Modes
o Metro timings, BMTC schedules, and cab services are not
synchronized.
o This results in long transfers and uncoordinated switching
between modes of transport.
Why These Inadequacies Matter:
Decreases motivation to use public transport.
Increases stress, lateness, and absenteeism.
Encourages personal vehicle use, worsening traffic and pollution.
Makes the area less appealing to new institutions or businesses
Human-Centered Design (HCD)
Human-Centered Design is more than just a design method — it's a
mindset and a philosophy. It focuses on deeply understanding the people
you are designing for and ensuring the final solution meets their actual
needs, not just what you assume they need. It emphasizes empathy,
inclusivity, and real-world usability over just technical or aesthetic
considerations.
This approach ensures that products, systems, or services are useful,
usable, and desirable, while also being technically feasible and
economically viable.
Key Principles of Human-Centered Design:
1. Empathy First
Understand the user’s emotions, frustrations, goals, and context.
🔸 Example: Interviewing college students to learn how they manage
stress and schedule before designing a mental wellness app.
2. Co-Creation
Involve users in the process from the beginning. Their feedback
helps shape better solutions.
🔸 Example: Including office workers in prototype testing for
ergonomic desk setups.
3. Iteration Over Perfection
Design, test, fail, learn, and improve. Solutions evolve through
feedback loops.
🔸 Example: A fitness tracker that is improved after users complain
about uncomfortable straps.
4. Multi-perspective Inclusion
Consider diverse backgrounds, abilities, and viewpoints — not just
the average user.
🔸 Example: Making an ATM interface that’s usable by the visually
impaired, elderly, and even first-time users.
5. Design With, Not For
Don’t assume what people need — ask them, observe them,
collaborate with them.
🔸 Example: A public transport app made in collaboration with daily
commuters, rather than by developers alone.
How It Works – The Process:
1. Inspiration Phase – Understand the users and identify their core
problems through observation, interviews, and immersion.
2. Ideation Phase – Brainstorm creative ideas, sketch rough solutions,
and generate alternatives.
3. Implementation Phase – Develop prototypes, test them with users,
collect feedback, and refine continuously.
This process is non-linear, meaning you can jump between phases
depending on what you discover.
Real-World Examples:
1. Google Maps for the Visually Impaired
Google introduced a detailed voice guidance feature that helps visually
impaired users navigate independently.
o Designed after user interviews and walking experiments
o Includes distance announcements and proactive safety alerts
o Encourages confidence and autonomy
2. Water Bottles with Time Markers
Hydration reminder bottles have time-based markings like “8 AM – Start
your day” or “2 PM – Keep going!”
o Responds to common human habits (forgetting to drink water)
o Improves daily health with a simple, visual nudge
Human-Centered Design isn't just about the product, it's about the people.
It reminds us that behind every design is a real human being — and by
focusing on their experiences, we can create solutions that truly matter.
Bibliography
1. IDEO.org. The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design.
Retrieved from: https://www.designkit.org
2. d.school, Stanford University. An Introduction to Design
Thinking: Process Guide.
3. YouTube – IDEO Shopping Cart Redesign Video. Retrieved
from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M66ZU2PCIcM
4. Class notes and activities from Design Thinking sessions (2025),
Presidency University.
5. SCAMPER and Brainstorming techniques – MindTools.
Retrieved from: https://www.mindtools.com
6. Image resources created using Google and OpenAI image
generation tool for journal visuals.