Design Thinking a Methodological Approach in Design Process: "3 seeds" as a Case Study

Abstract

This article aims to demonstrate the design thinking methodology applied in a specific challenge and its inherent problems. Nowadays, with the common concern of climate change issues, design assumes a global responsibility to change habits and behaviors. Universities as living laboratories of ideas and an-swers are called to action. In the work presented here, students were challenged to develop a project under the theme, seeds. With sustainable design and circular economy at the base of the creative process, in a thinking oriented towards truth, honesty, clarity and respect for people, 3 seeds are born. A hand-made clothing brand with dyeing based on three seeds: Paprika, Saffron and Pink Pepper. From the result were part not only the garments, but also communication strategy and graphic pieces that accompanied the whole concept and process of the project. For the development of the project, we intend a methodology that integrates practice as part of the method has come to characterize our action – practice-based and practice-led (Candy, 2006) - considering: wants to practice and reflection on the results of practice, as a source of new knowledge.Move forward from this knowledge about the practice and within of practice we adopted design thinking methodology not only because is a flexible methodology but also because can be used in any work field, since it as valuable elements, such as iterating frequently based on continuous feedback from all the intervenient. Through rapid low-resolution prototyping, ideas are continuously tested with the potential users. “Fail early in order to succeed sooner” is the Design Thinking principle that helps to maximize learning and insights, crucial for human centred innovation. Collaborative work in a small groups scenar-io map, leads to the discussion of solutions, and to the innovation that emerges from the different perspec-tives given by each person.In this context, it will be important to realize that, as a methodological resource in the development of a project, design thinking is able to provide an effective approach to problem solving, naturally facilitating the development of innovative approaches to problem solving, from the perspective of prototyping, rapid analysis and potential selection of end-user-focused solutions. Design thinking, besides guiding as a meth-odology, emerges as a unifying element of visual thinking and the creative process. Our aim with the students involved, based on active research and expression, is give them with skills capable of complementing their expertise, behaviors and methodologies in real work context since this methodology offered focuses on a practical approach.