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In the first part of this series, we talk about what transforms an idea from good to great. The answer lies in its ability to solve a genuine problem, its uniqueness, accessibility, purpose, and simplicity. More than a mere concept, a great idea addresses an unmet need, delivering tangible value to people. This journey of ideation and realisation is guided by the principles of Design Thinking.
We hope you enjoy this valuable series!
At the heart of any successful venture lies a great idea. But what defines greatness in an idea? According to the workshop’s guide, a great idea solves a genuine problem and is unique, accessible, purposeful, and simple. Most importantly, it addresses an unmet need, providing real value to people. The workshop emphasises the importance of validating ideas before investing time and resources through the lens of Design Thinking.
Conceptualised by Tim Brown from IDEO, Design Thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation. It integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success. This approach challenges entrepreneurs to step back, reassess their solutions, and ensure they align with the burning needs of their target audience.
The design thinking process, as outlined in the workshop, begins with understanding the problem. This involves observing and collecting information, creating hypotheses, and structuring the major problem space. The focus then narrows down to a single user’s perspective, leading to the creation of a research plan.
The emphasis on understanding a single persona is a critical aspect of Design Thinking. By delving deep into the lives, needs, and desires of a specific customer, businesses can uncover unmet needs and develop solutions that truly resonate. The process involves collecting knowledge about the user through interviews, online interactions, and in-context conversations.
To truly understand customers, the workshop encourages creative observation techniques. Whether it’s following someone through a day-in-the-life study, engaging in video diaries, or having in-context conversations, the goal is to gain insights that go beyond surface-level data. This creative immersion allows businesses to discover emotions that underlie customer actions.
The workshop advocates for a well-structured research plan to guide the engagement, immersion, and observation of potential customers. By defining success metrics, such as a set number of interviews, day-in-the-life studies, and video diaries, businesses can ensure they have enough data to inform the next steps of their Design Thinking journey.
Design Thinking is more than a methodology; it’s a mindset that fosters innovation, growth, and success.
By understanding the needs of individuals, businesses can create solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. Let’s embrace the power of Design Thinking and continue our journey toward a future defined by groundbreaking ideas and resilient businesses.
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