2013 | Definition of Design Thinking

Tim Barber. Burning Bridgets

This is my own definition of Design Thinking:

Design Thinking is a creative process of thinking backwards from people, that leads to design a service, a product or else, based on the conclusions of the knowledge gathered in the process.

Design Thinking starts and ends with people, their needs and problems.

Thinking backwards from people leads to major rethinking of processes along the way. Design Thinking is a kind of problem detector and problem solving process. 

Thinking backwards from people requires a through an exhaustive application of logic to all available threats and creativity in the finding of new possibilities. It also requires a systems thinking and vision that ultimately provides ways to anticipate possible futures.


Thinking backwards from people it's a mindset that naturally evolves to innovation: It is in fact choosing to move forward. Thinking like a designer is a point of no return:  Everything a design thinker sees around comes up with this question: How could I improve it?, What if..?.

I wouldn't call it an obsession, I believe is a extreme passion for ideas that it's got something to do with challenging your own capacities.

Capacities such as:


Thinking-in-action
Systems thinking
Decision making
Rational analysis
Empathy-able to connect
Emotional intelligence
Creativity applied to any context
Conceptualize emotions
Awareness of the world
Passion for details
Caring for people
Fond of chaos
Market & Business & Management
Teamwork
Long-term vision



Ultimate question designers must ask to themselves:

What is the difference between designing a brochure and designing a DNA?And between designing an App and designing a communication plan?Designing a website and designing a business strategy?

What is the difference between designing a brand and designing a life?


Not much...it all starts and ends with people.