Design thinking is an experience-based and user-centric method for solving problems. This human-centered approach engages end-users and employees in a multi-step, ongoing process of co-creation, to understand and meet evolving needs. The method is traditionally carried out in physical spaces where participants can collaborate face-to- face.
However, with the shift toward remote work, the traditional design thinking process is undergoing significant changes. As more employees work remotely—22% of the U.S. workforce by 2025, according to an Upwork study—design thinking must adapt to digital environments.
A recent study not only highlights the potential challenges of virtual design thinking but also reveals new opportunities for blending offline and virtual elements, leveraging the best of both the physical and digital worlds.
Unlocking Design Thinking Through a Hybrid Approach
“We suggest that managers should not regard physical and virtual formats as mutually exclusive. Instead, we propose a hybrid approach that leverages the benefits of both worlds, combining physical and virtual elements across the design thinking project”, explains Alice Minet, project head and lead author of the study.
Guided by this hybrid approach, physical settings are particularly effective for tasks that require creative, divergent thinking—i.e. during the empathize phase—where design thinkers aim to develop a deep understanding of users’ latent needs.
Conversely, virtual settings activate a more goal-oriented mindset which is beneficial for rational, convergent tasks—i.e. the define phase—where design thinkers synthesize the gathered data and define the problem space. In the prototype phase, virtual prototyping may allow for more efficeitn development across multiple iterations.
The shift from physical to virtual design thinking represents an opportunity to rethink the innovation process. Importantly, the future of design thinking lies not in choosing between physical and virtual settings but in integrating the best of both worlds to unlock its full potential and create innovative solutions.
The original content of the note was published on Forbes.com. To read the full note visit here
