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DT Test Answer
1. Describe the design mindset. Enumerate the characteristics of
a design mindset. (CO1)
Answer:
The
design mindset is an approach focused on understanding users’ needs, defining
problems accurately, and creating innovative solutions through an iterative and
user-centered process. It's rooted in empathy, creativity, and a willingness to think
beyond traditional solutions. Unlike traditional problem-solving, which can be more
linear and analytical, a design mindset encourages adaptability, curiosity, and
experimentation.

Characteristics of a Design Mindset (EPIC-FIT):

Empathy: Understanding users’ needs, desires, and pain points is crucial.

Designers need to step into users' shoes to build meaningful solutions.

Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: A designer must question assumptions and

be open to new ideas and perspectives.

Iterative Process: Solutions are developed and refined in cycles, using

prototyping and testing to refine designs continually.

Problem-Framing: Defining the right problem is essential. Rather than jumping

to solutions, the design mindset involves understanding the underlying causes
of an issue.

Collaboration: It involves cross-functional teamwork where different

perspectives are valued.

Tolerance for Failure: A designer sees failures as opportunities for learning

and improving ideas.

DT Test Answer 1
 2. Explain LDO in Design Thinking and give any two instances of
the importance of listening over hearing. Illustrate with real-life
examples. (CO1)
Answer:Listening, Dialogue, and Observation (LDO) are critical components of
design thinking. They allow designers to deeply understand user needs and
preferences, enabling the creation of truly user-centered solutions.

Listening: Focuses on comprehending the intent and emotions behind users’

words rather than simply hearing what they say.

Dialogue: Engages stakeholders in meaningful conversations to explore

different perspectives.

Observation: Involves watching users interact with products or services in

real-world contexts.

Importance of Listening Over Hearing:

Example 1: Customer Feedback Sessions: In a retail setting, a designer listens

to customers’ frustrations with product usability rather than simply hearing
complaints. This deep listening helps identify design flaws and informs better
product updates.

Example 2: Team Collaboration in Product Development: During a team

meeting, a designer listens to each member's feedback on a product feature.
This enables them to make informed decisions that align with both user needs
and technical capabilities, rather than merely acknowledging surface-level
inputs.

3. How is Design Thinking different from the way we’ve always

solved problems? Give a brief history of Design Thinking. (CO1)
Answer:
Design thinking differs from traditional problem-solving by focusing on empathy,
experimentation, and iterative processes. It doesn’t rely solely on analysis but
instead places users’ needs at the core. Unlike the linear approach of traditional
methods, design thinking embraces a flexible, non-linear pathway, where
redefining problems and iterating solutions are encouraged.

DT Test Answer 2
 Brief History of Design Thinking:
Design thinking emerged in the 1960s as designers began using human-centered
design approaches, especially in industrial design. It gained significant traction in
the 1990s, led by IDEO and Stanford University’s d.school, which promoted it as a
way to approach complex, “wicked” problems. Since then, it has been applied in
various fields, from technology to healthcare, emphasizing creativity,
collaboration, and human-centered solutions.

4. Describe a wicked problem with characteristics and examples.

Also, discuss the design thinking way to address wicked
problems. (CO1)
Answer:
A
wicked problem is a complex issue that is difficult to define and has no clear
solution. These problems are unique, interconnected, and often involve multiple
stakeholders with conflicting interests, making them resistant to traditional
problem-solving methods.
Characteristics of Wicked Problems:

No Definitive Solution: There is no single answer, as every solution introduces

new issues.

Unique and Context-Specific: Solutions are often specific to the context and
may not work in other situations.

Involves Multiple Stakeholders: Diverse interests and perspectives make

consensus challenging.

Interconnected Elements: Each part of the problem influences others, adding

to the complexity.

Examples of Wicked Problems:

Climate change, which involves social, environmental, and economic

considerations.

Global poverty, where root causes are complex and vary by region.

DT Test Answer 3
 Design Thinking Approach to Wicked Problems:
Design thinking approaches wicked problems by focusing on understanding
stakeholders' perspectives, defining the problem accurately, and testing potential
solutions. For example, in tackling climate change, a design thinking approach
might involve stakeholder interviews, developing prototypes for eco-friendly
solutions, and testing these ideas on a small scale before wider implementation.

5. Describe the five-stage process of Design Thinking with an

example. (CO1)
Answer:
The five-stage process of design thinking is a framework for approaching
problem-solving with empathy and creativity. Each stage is iterative, meaning
designers may revisit previous stages as they refine their understanding of the
problem and solution.

1. Empathize: Understand users’ needs through research and observation.

Example: In developing a new healthcare app, designers interview patients to
learn about their experiences with medical apps.

2. Define: Clarify the problem by synthesizing insights from the empathizing

phase. Example: Based on interviews, designers define the problem as
“patients struggle to access health records quickly.”

3. Ideate: Brainstorm creative solutions without constraints. Example: The team

generates ideas like a personalized dashboard, a symptom tracker, and
automatic appointment reminders.

4. Prototype: Create a tangible representation of ideas to test with users.

Example: Designers create a basic version of the app with only the essential
features for testing.

5. Test: Gather feedback on the prototype to refine the solution. Example:

Patients test the app, and designers use feedback to improve functionality and
user experience.

6. Give examples of good, bad, and great designs. Why is design

thinking called a non-linear process? (CO1)

DT Test Answer 4
 Answer:

Good Design: A functional website with clear navigation, such as an e-

commerce site that allows users to find products easily.

Bad Design: A confusing remote control with too many buttons, making it
difficult for users to perform simple functions.

Great Design: The iPhone’s initial design was intuitive, user-friendly, and
revolutionary in its simplicity and functionality.

Why is Design Thinking Called a Non-Linear Process?

Design thinking is non-linear because it allows designers to revisit and adjust
stages based on feedback and learning. Designers might return to the empathize
stage after testing a prototype if they find a need for deeper user insights, making
the process flexible and adaptable.

7. What is Innovation and Creativity? Explain their role in an

organization. (CO1)
Answer:Innovation is the application of new ideas to create value, while
creativity is the generation of these new ideas. In organizations, creativity fuels
innovation, providing a competitive edge and helping adapt to market changes.

Role in Organizations:

Improves Problem Solving: Creative approaches allow organizations to tackle

problems from new perspectives.

Drives Growth: Innovation leads to new products, services, and revenue

streams.

Enhances Adaptability: Creative thinking enables organizations to respond

flexibly to industry shifts and consumer demands.

8. Explain three laws of Design Thinking and apply them to

suggest an idea to make a job search portal. (CO1)
Answer:

DT Test Answer 5
 9. What are stated and unstated needs? Explain the Gillette Guard
case study with respect to Design Thinking. (CO1)
Answer:
In design thinking, understanding
stated and unstated needs is crucial to creating products that truly resonate with
users.

Stated Needs: These are the explicit requirements or desires that users openly
express. For example, in the context of shaving products, a customer might
state they want a razor that provides a close shave.

Unstated Needs: These are underlying or implicit needs that users may not
voice but are essential for a product’s acceptance. These might include needs
for affordability, ease of use, or safety, which are not always verbalized.

Gillette Guard Case Study:

The Gillette Guard case is a prime example of understanding both stated and
unstated needs in design thinking. In India, many consumers used single-blade
razors or even other tools like straight razors for economic reasons and were
seeking affordable, safe, and simple solutions. Gillette’s initial multi-blade razors
did not perform well in this market due to their high price and complexity.
How Gillette Used Design Thinking:

Empathy and Observation: Gillette’s team observed the shaving habits of

Indian men, understanding that they needed a product that fit their unique
needs: affordability, durability, and simplicity.

Identifying Unstated Needs: The research uncovered that users wanted a

safer razor due to the high frequency of cuts with their traditional razors.
Although many customers hadn’t openly stated this as a need, it was an
essential factor for their comfort and safety.

Iterative Development: Gillette created the Gillette Guard, a low-cost, single-

blade razor with a safety comb to prevent cuts. The product design was
iterated based on user feedback until it met both the stated and unstated
needs of the market.

Outcome: The Gillette Guard became a success in India, as it fulfilled the explicit
need for affordability while addressing the unstated need for safety and simplicity.

DT Test Answer 6
 This case illustrates how understanding unstated needs through empathy and
research can lead to highly effective, user-centered solutions.

DT Test Answer 7