Design-thinking: Solutions for Complex Challenges and Community Development
In a world brimming with challenges trauma and inequality, having an approach for innovative problem-solving helps people and organisations who are trying to change things, create a bigger impact. Design Thinking is a methodology that listens to people who know the challenges most intimately- the people who experience them- to propels beyond obstacles and create actionable solutions.
Often we use the 4 phase British Design Council's 'double diamond' model—discover, define, develop, deliver—is a simple framework that supports co-production and user-centric principles.
Power Trio
Fusing these elements:
Design thinking - framework
Coproduction -principles and practice
User centred- support
Creates a powerful trio that empowers community development work, untangling complex issues effectively, and fostering change.
Discover: Understanding the Ecosystem
Projects and ideas to solve a challenge and create change begin at the "discover" phase. We use system and journey mapping, creative reflective activities with groups, conversations bolstered by reflective coaching, to gather invaluable insights, contexts, and data. We consider the physical, spacial, cultural and economic environments. We begin to create the conditions for coproduction, engaging with everyone who has a ‘stake’ in the work which could be because they are involved in or impacted by the challenges. Their collective insights and experiences are invaluable in ensuring that the work together and final outcome is relevant, effective, and user-centered.
Stakeholders may include:
Service Users or Beneficiaries
Frontline staff
Community representatives, citizens
Policy and decision makers
Researchers and academics
Community organizations and charities
Businesses and industry representatives
Volunteers
Define: Navigating the Path Forward
Stepping into the "define" stage, we work with stakeholders to identify what matters within the discover research, we invite stakeholders to work with us more closely to unearth gaps and opportunities, and start to choose priorities. As we tackle projects with Design Thinking, we simultaneously support and build on community assets, creating opportunities for development for people and local organisations. Designing solutions that address the core concerns of the community, must be ‘generative’ to ensure a holistic impact.
A generative community is a highly intentional community of practice with members that cultivate inspiring practices and aim for growth and change within their field.
Lauren Elizabeth Clare Resilience.org
Develop: Cultivating Innovation Together
By now we have a core of interested, invested people and a good understanding of the context and what matters. We can move into the "develop" phase, where innovation flourishes. Ideas may have started popping up already but we keep open minds and explore multiple ideas, maybe trying some out in real life. Whether it's grassroots initiatives or policies on a national scale, the Design Thinking approach encourages experimentation, creation, and testing.
As we develop ideas and collaborate, coproduction principles guide us:
Shared Decision-Making
Mutual Respect and Recognition
Open Communication and Transparency
Deliver: Impactful Transformation
The "deliver" phase is where our ideas become impactful solutions. In the context of community development, this means implementing changes that positively influence people's lives. We want to deliver solutions, we're also fostering the growth of the community—be it by enriching educational experiences, streamlining access to healthcare, or enabling sustainable economic opportunities.
Empowering People: The Essence of Design Thinking
The power of Design Thinking is its human-centered approach. Through empathy and a commitment to continuous learning, the solutions that are created don't just address challenges but resonate with people. And this principle extends to community development—prioritising the voices and needs of the people affected by societies challenges.
4 Design Thinking projects that have supported people and communities
Stanford Hospital staff used design thinking to complete a plan to redesign two nursing units in the current hospital to serve only patients with cancer and to improve patients experience. The Pharmacy also used design thinking to redesign the physical space to improve customer service and customer and staff experience.
Voices for Birth Justice Campaign which featured black women as their tender, joyful, multifaceted selves, to raise awareness of the racial inequality within childbirth survival rates.
In the early days of Covid, The British Red Cross (BRC) used online design thinking to create a volunteer recruitment journey that was powerful enough to mitigate public health concerns, whilst inspiring bravery and motivation in volunteers.
Action Together used design thinking to develop a Community Warehouse, a redistribution hub supporting 30+ foodbanks, pantries and social eating projects with food and supplies during the pandemic.
A Legacy Beyond Projects: Skill Nurturing
Design-thinking coaching goes beyond the project realm. The skills honed through this approach—be it research, effective team communication, conflict resolution, or learning from failures—are transferrable. They enrich individuals and communities alike, ensuring sustainable growth. Skilled facilitators are often needed to guide both Design Thinking and the co-production process, supporting communication, learning and ensuring that everyone is able to contribute and benefit from the work, any conflicts are managed, and the process remains focused and productive.
A Brilliant Thing CIC uses a design thinking approach to frame and support
Design Thinking training and facilitation
Team awaydays, retreats and development programmes
Strategy development
Organisational culture change
Leadership Coaching
Coproduction focused work
CSR/ESG Social Value creation between businesses and charities
Design Thinking and Community Development: working together for change
From game-changing startups like Airbnb and Uber to reshaping healthcare and supporting communities, Design Thinking's versatility works across sectors. The framework is interwoven with community development, amplifying voices and meeting needs. In Design Thinking we all are important.
Design Thinking bridges the gap between challenges and solutions, igniting change at both micro and macro levels.
In a world filled with tough challenges, embracing Design Thinking isn't just about projects—it's about transforming communities and nurturing growth that benefits us all.
Further Information and Resources
The Design Value Framework- British Design Council
What is design thinking and how can it make your work brilliant – A Brilliant Thing CIC
Design Thinking for Strategic Innovation: Idris Mootee
Introduction to Design Thinking (presentation) - A Brilliant Thing CIC
Design Thinking in 5mins (video) - A Brilliant Thing CIC
If Design Thinking inspires you, you can find out how to work with us here
