There is a lot of confusion about the difference between design thinking and inventing. Some think they are the same thing, while others believe that design thinking is just a part of inventing. So, are they one and the same or are they two completely different things?
The Definition
Design thinking is a process that uses the design of products and services to solve problems. Invention is the process of coming up with a new idea or solution to an identified problem — a solution that has never been thought of before.
The Process
Design thinking starts with empathy. Understanding the needs of the user and the issues that they face is the first and foundational step to the process. Once you have a good understanding of what users need, you can start generating ideas. The next step is to prototype your ideas and test them with users. This will help you refine your ideas and make sure they are feasible. After that, it’s time to design and build a final product or service.
The invention process also seeks to solve a problem and is best illustrated through the STEMIE 7-step Invention Framework. It starts with identifying and clearly defining a problem. Next comes understanding the problem and ideating potential solutions. You can then design and prototype your ideas, and test them with users to see which ones are the most feasible. After rounds of testing, redesigning, and prototyping, inventors build a final product or service. The last and crucial step is communicating the solution to others — users, consumers, and even investors!
The Bottom Line
Design thinking is a great way to come up with new ideas, and invention is a process of turning novel ideas into a reality. Both are important creative processes; both with the common goal of solving problems.
Learn how to apply the invention process to solve problems big and small. Join one of our STEMIE programs. Contact us to find out more today!
