Design thinking means utilizing experimentation, feedback, and multiple iterations of prototypes to come up with creative solutions to problems that others might not have identified. Design thinking can be a great advantage to firms, but designers need strong leadership support, a separate space to share ideas, and creative freedom to be successful. They should be given the freedom to experiment but should maintain a connection with the rest of the firm. Leaders should help manage their teams by helping them balance incremental and disruptive changes, instill the importance of considering multiple perspectives, and promote their successes throughout the rest of the firm, including to the executive team.
About the Author
David Dunne is a writer, educator, and professor, and Director of MBA Programs at the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business. Previously, he worked in product innovation and marketing with Unilever. He was the recipient of the 3M National Teaching Fellowship, and the University of Toronto’s President's Teaching Award.