In this article, we will explore the phases of the double-diamond approach and how to exploit this method for creative problem-solving.

Related TeachSomebody Course:

• A Beginner's Guide to Design Thinking

 

What is the Double Diamond Approach?

The Double Diamond model, is a design process framework developed by the British Design Council, which consists of four phases as illustrated below. 

Discover - This phase focuses on researching and exploring the problem space in order to develop a real understanding of the issue (diverging).

Define - This phase involves synthesizing and distilling insights from the research to clearly define the problem (converging).  

Develop - In this phase, ideas are generated and potential solutions are explored (diverging).

Deliver: The final phase involves the creation and implementation of the final solution (converging).

Both diamonds begin with a broad approach (divergent thinking) to problem-solving, which later converges to take a focused action  (convergent thinking) as depicted in the picture below. 

The Double Diamond Model img source: 

 

Inspired by the design thinking approach, the double diamond model was extended by Dan Nessler and is outlined below. 

The Adaptation of the double diamond model showing stages 1 and 2 by Dan Nessler

 

In Stage 1 you'll discover and define.

You'll try to first understand the problem (Rip the brief), you'll spend time with the people who are affected by the issues so that you can formulate your design challenge. This phase is divergent, thus it welcomes uncertainty as there's no single "right" answer. Accordingly, all ideas and potential solutions are considered.

To gain a deeper understanding of the users' context, you'll conduct your primary and secondary research.  For your primary research, you may exploit tools such as user diaries (ask users to journal, or ask them to record, video or audio, or take pictures), brainstorming, fast visualization i.e., creating quick sketches of your ideas, interviews, expert interviews, contextual inquiries, observation, context mapping, surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups to dive deeper into the problem. Here's an extensive list of design methods presented by ideo.org. You may conduct a competitor analysis as well as a literature review as part of your secondary research.

 To synthesize the findings, you'll need to do the following.

1.  Group/cluster your findings according to similar themes. This can be done using affinity diagrams and empathy maps. 
2. Identify insights into your users' motivations, likes, and frustrations, which can be demonstrated with personas and customer journey maps. 
3. You may also exploit the root cause analysis method in order to further understand the problems and find a viable solution.
4. Pinpoint areas for opportunities toward a specific point of action.
5. Formulate the design challenge, and ask how might we questions, which aim to address what needs to be addressed/solved within a specific point of action.

 

In Stage 2, you'll develop and deliver.

This is where you'll start ideating and may exploit a plethora of fun and creative tools to help with ideation e.g., brainstorming, dark-side method,  role-playing,  context mapping, co-creation workshops, the lotus blossom framework, and service blue print (i.e., a comprehensive visual plan that illustrates the various components of a service and how they interact with both the user and each other. This blueprint serves as a valuable tool for understanding the user experience and identifying any potential issues or areas for improvement within the service.).  During the ideation phase, you're expected to come up with several design alternatives. Next, you'll evaluate them and select the most feasible one. 

Thereafter, you'll evaluate the final idea that you want to implement, and further proceed with physical prototyping and testing to deliver your final product or solution. First, start with a paper prototype, and if you are building an app then the wireframes, and later high fidelity prototypes. Figma is an awesome tool to help with your high-fidelity prototypes. Then, you'll validate the prototypes with your target users to determine if they satisfy their needs. You may conduct a heuristic evaluation to evaluate the prototypes. Moreover, you may leverage the following design methods to gain deeper insights into how your users perceive your product.

• The Think-Aloud Method i.e., the concurrent verbalization of the user's experience as they use your product.

• Usability Testing: It involves testing the prototype or solution to identify usability issues and gather feedback on the ease of use.

•  Beta Testing i.e., this involves releasing the prototype or solution to a select group of users to gather feedback before it is launched to the public.

• A/B Testing i.e., this involves testing two different versions of the prototype or solution to identify which one performs better.

• Surveys i.e., surveys can be used to gather quantitative feedback from a large group of users.

• Focus Groups: this consist of a small group of people who are brought together to discuss and provide feedback on the prototype or solution.

• Shadowing i.e., conducting an uninterrupted behavioral observation of how users use and feel about your product design.

• User Interview i.e., this involves speaking directly with users to understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. User interviews can be used to gather insights and feedback throughout the design process.

• Card sorting i.e., this involves gathering feedback on the information architecture and navigation of a prototype or solution.

• 5 Second Testing i.e., this involves showing users a design or interface for just 5 seconds and then asking them questions about what they remember and how they feel about it.

 

Notably, the stages of the revamped Double Diamond Model are not linear and can be iterated at any time during the design process.

 

What's an example of the Double Diamond Model?

An example of the double diamond approach in action would be designing a new product for an elderly population. The design team would start by conducting research to understand the needs and wants of the elderly population. More specifically, they would try to ascertain a first-hand account of the elderly's context e.g., through interviews, contextual inquiries, diary studies, and observation sessions. Then, they would analyze and define the problem they are trying to solve by synthesizing their research. Later, they would generate ideas for potential solutions, create prototypes, and finally validate their prototypes with the target population to determine if the elderly were satisfied with the product.

 

Conclusion

 From the discussion earlier, we deduce that the double diamond approach involves four steps (Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver), which encourage us to diverge into understanding the problem and to converge into a focused solution. Above, we briefly explained each phase and provided examples of tools that can be used to exploit the double diamond technique.