Design Thinking
Design Thinking:
Creating new or modifying existing infrastructure can represent a sizable investment of time, material and cost. I will address a design process here that goes beyond the traditional one size fits all approach, and describe how design thinking can help in and outside the strict boundaries of architecture. In fact, design thinking provides a way to mitigate risk and enhance the overall opportunity.
In addition, I will discuss how design thinking is utilized at (ACS) Arc Castle Studio to create value and solve problems. This process combines the art with the science of putting a project together, and serves as the basis for developing a project understanding. I will start with some early history on how design thinking was used, and ask the question if we lost something along the way?
Design Thinking In History
Design is used throughout history. During the Renaissance period, architects, artist’s and sculptor’s alike, typically approached their work with simple tools like hand drawings, sketches, diagrams and even prototype models. But these simple tools produced profound results. Their approach also served as a basis for building their understanding, and being able to convey it to the client. Often, extensive research and practical knowledge was sought long before any design work occurred. Accordingly, this approach provided a way to establish important parameters by which the project could be designed upon.
Design thinking blossoms during the Renaissance and It influences all disciplines, both art and science. In architecture there is an emphasis on human-centric approaches to design. The work took on scientific approaches to built upon known information and sought solutions that put human beings front and center. In fact, the human body was seen a perfect model of proportion, form and exemplified an ideal relationship between its form and associated functions. This period, gave rise to a quality of design and work that changed the known world. Their new found approach created a culture of advancement, leaving the dark ages with a renewed vision..
Why Design Thinking?:
It’s interesting to consider how design was utilized in history, and how it advanced during the Renaissance period. It can be said that a design mindset was seen as a common denominator for most any work of this period, Further, utilizing this way of thinking can be seen as a way to create substantial value, and solve problems. Perhaps most importantly, it integrates a rational thinking and order to any project. However, this doesn’t come cheep. One must apply the principles to achieve the benefits.
In fact, much of our built environment today does not incorporate the rigor of design thinking that can be found in the history of the Renaissance period. Perhaps this is why soo many of our cities, towns and homes today do not function well and are unhealthy and uninspiring places to live or work. However, we do see an emphasizes on quick gain with little thought for the effects upon us as humans.
Design thinking can be likened a muscle that grows stronger when it is used over time. However, like any tool, it has to be used wisely to shape, and form in a meaningful way. This process is never arbitrary. Rather this is about producing a work that is authentic and true to its nature and provides healthy solutions. For any project, all the parts need to interact and work together. Although each project is different, we utilize lessons learned from each project to serve the next. In addition, a design thinking mindset produces a synergy that can be applied in many ways. This approach simply serves to connect as many dots as possible, and enhances a journey to discovery.
How Design Thinking Can Be Utilized:
- Architect directed projects can apply design thinking to serve as a collaboration platform and advance solutions
- Align form with functional and build upon program requirements that work with the aesthetics
- Establish a 'solutions' focused process (divergent and convergent thinking)
- Principle-centered approach in applying due diligence for any project
- Seeks a human-centric solution, not assembly line, or status quo objectives
- Evaluate form, function, program, site and aesthetics in a holistic way. (critical thinking)
- Architect led process serves as guide and advisor to balancing project goals and objectives
- A Process that evaluates the big picture and seeks to minimize risk.
- Recognize this is a design mindset that advances both the art and the science. (Often contrary to each other)
A Design Mindset:
Design thinking is not a formula, or a mathematical equation that can be applied to solve for an unknown. This represents a process that incorporates the art with the science. It’s a process that engages the needs of human beings with purpose.
Our process at Arc Castle Studio utilizes design thinking as a platform for problem solving.. We incorporate critical thinking into our tool kit . In fact, extraordinarily simple tools that were used long ago; like hand sketching, diagrams, mind maps, and study models. We explore all facets, to learn, discover, and seek diverse ways to improve our built environment.
Summary:
Design thinking has broad applications, and can serve to solve complex problems (in and out of architecture) and produce lasting value. Although this is not an easy process, it is a valuable way to approach a project. When done right, it’s never arbitrary. A good work can be discerned by observing how well its form is suited to its function, and utility — in fact, how the aesthetics is developed out of the intelligence harmony of all these factors. This represents the beginning of a design thinking process.
If you want to maximize your efforts to improve your project — utilize a design thinking mindset. Seeking to understand, learn how to change, and apply lessons learned through analysis. Never settle for the mediocrity of the status quo.
