Unit 2: Design thinking & lean startup

 Design Thinking is having a thought to analyze a problem, as a designer would do, obviously with the purpose of finding a solution. Design Thinking is a way to offer a solution to a problem. We break down a problem, divide it into smaller parts, analyze them, think hard, without limits, as much as we can and as much as we can think of, empathetically and together with other team members, then we will be much closer to finding the solution we are looking for.

At the beginning this methodology was very much related to product development but it has slowly evolved and has become an incredible tool to generate innovation with which ideas can emerge in any sector and situation, for this reason Design thinking is more about creating value.

A fundamental characteristic of the Design Thinking methodology is that it is focused on the user, the problems he/she has and on empathy. These concepts are closely related, it is important to previously make an image of the place, an analysis of the situation, to be aware of where we are and what we need according to the problem already identified.

To apply design thinking ideas an empathy map will be useful, so an empathy map is a collaborative tool teams can use to gain a deeper insight into their customers, an empathy map can represent a group of users, such as a customer segment. Empathy maps can be used whenever you find a need to immerse yourself in a user’s environment.

The lean startup method is the system used to move from project to company by focusing on the customer's needs, relying on their feedback to modify the product until the final version is developed. The lean startup method is a methodology based on gradually verifying the hypotheses before having the final product (the definitive startup) and starting to scale the business, this product must be minimal and viable; however, with time it can have more improvements. The lean business model (Canvas) consists of visualizing and designing a dynamic and visual business model in the Canvas model, it is divided into grids, each one dedicated to a fundamental aspect of the business model: value proposition, revenues, expenses, acquisition channels, among others.

And eventually, all of us will need to solve problems not necessary for a product that you have done, maybe a product or service for the company where you work, an exposition or wherever with certain value for other people, being empathetic with those people problem’s, then an empathy map make lot of sense. Before understanding the problem and finding a viable product for the solution, the first step is done, even so, we must develop our business model according to the idea that we already have, for this step the Canvas model will be helpful for us to fill up and get started to begin our business.