What is ‘Design Thinking?’
Is it just the latest buzz word? Is it just a hashtag? Or is it some new-fangled terminology to try and make something sound more intelligent than it actually is? Or is it a serious need in the Commercial Interior sector?
Well, we’ve seen people refer design thinking to all of the above. But we use it. We know it’s a term than encapsulates the entire design process, that enables something to look its best and function perfectly.
What’s WSG’s definition of Design Thinking?
Design thinking is a process that encourages designers to approach projects from a user-centred perspective. It puts the needs and desires of the end user at the forefront of the design process and involves feedback to create solutions that truly meet those needs. In the commercial interior sector, this approach is critical for creating furniture and fixtures that are not only aesthetically perfect, but also effective for their intended purpose.
As Commercial Interior specialists, at WSG we apply design thinking to all our projects because we believe it is the most effective way to create items of furniture that truly meet the needs of our clients and their end users.
Once we have established the needs and desires, we begin to converse internally and drafting potential solutions. This process involves a lot of brainstorming, sketching, and 3D drawing, as we work to create a variety of potential designs that could meet our client’s needs. We then present these designs to our clients for them to solicit feedback from the end-user, which we use to refine and improve our designs.
Upfront Design Thinking
Throughout this process, we always keep that end user in mind. We factor in the brand, and ask ourselves questions like “How will this fixture be used?” and “What will the user experience be like?”
One of the most important aspects of design thinking in the commercial interior sector is the need to involve clients in the process. This means working collaboratively with clients and often their end client throughout the design process, rather than simply presenting them with a finished product at the end. By doing this, we ensure that clients needs are met. And that the final product truly reflects their vision for the space.
At WSG, we believe that design thinking is most effective when it is applied upfront and throughout the entire design process. This means involving clients from the very beginning, and continuing to solicit feedback and make changes as the project progresses.
In addition to creating better furniture, design thinking also has a number of other benefits in the commercial interior sector. For example, it can help to improve project efficiency. It can reduce costs by identifying potential issues early in the design process too. And it leads to more sustainable designs, as designers are encouraged to think about the lifecycle of an interior fit-out and the environmental impact of their choices.
So…it’s more than just a buzzword?
It’s absolutely a relevant term. We also believe that design thinking is a critical component of the commercial interior design process. By putting the needs and desires of clients and end users at the forefront of our designs, and by involving clients in the process from start to finish, we contribute to you creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but also highly functional, effective, and sustainable.
Our design team apply it, and they achieve unbelievable results in doing so, so why would we argue?
Need a Commercial Interior Project specialist who uses Design Thinking methodology? Call WSG today on 0113 255 9098, or email us at sales@wsgsystems.com.
