How can design thinking help create more inclusive tech solutions?

For me design thinking is not a rigid, linear process but a dynamic, adaptable one that thrives on iteration and embraces the value of feedback and learning from failures. It's a way of thinking that allows me to tackle design problems with imagination and compassion, adapting and enhancing my methods so that they better meet the needs of both the customer and business.

Instead of trying to force one solution on a group of individuals, design thinking encourages multiple perspectives to be considered. All of these contribute to the development of solutions that are useful, applicable, and understandable by a wide range of people.

Design thinking is inclusive for several reasons: It prioritizes empathy, focusing on understanding and addressing the needs of a diverse group of users. It encourages collaboration and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a variety of perspectives. It promotes iterative feedback, allowing for continuous improvement and refinement, which helps in accommodating diverse needs and perspectives.

Although by definition design thinking is inclusive promoting always putting the customer at the center, it's ironic how, in general, certain groups are often omitted, such as people with disabilities, generating products or platforms that are not digitally accessible. I don't see any bad intention, but I do think that a cultural change is needed beyond the methodological one.

Design thinking can help create more inclusive tech solutions by focusing on understanding the diverse needs and perspectives of users. By empathizing with different user groups, designers can uncover and address barriers and biases that may exclude certain populations. Design thinking encourages collaboration and iteration, allowing designers to work closely with end-users and incorporating their feedback throughout the development process. This approach promotes the inclusion of diverse voices, leading to the creation of tech solutions that are intuitive, accessible, and cater to a wide range of users. Ultimately, design thinking enables designers to challenge assumptions and create products that meet the needs of all individuals.

Design thinking provides a structured yet flexible approach to innovation in the technology business, which is characterised by rapid change and high user expectations. It helps make sure that tech innovation projects are successful by making sure that the solutions being developed are not just technically feasible, but also attractive and helpful to users.