The Transformative Power of Design Thinking
Ever wondered how Design Thinking can be practically applied? We’re about to take this theoretical concept and ground it in a real-life situation, showing you its transformative power and everyday utility.
The Framework of Design Thinking using David Allen’s Wisdom
David Allen’s six horizons of Getting Things Done (GTD™) offer a clear perspective:
- Purpose
- Vision
- Goals & Objectives
- Areas of Focus
- Projects
- Next Actions
Each of these steps influences the subsequent one, paving the way for a cascading effect that pushes progress forward. Let’s illustrate this through a case from our client work.
A Real-life Case Study: Rethinking a Facebook Advertising Campaign
A loyal client, who had relied on us for graphic design work for the past five years, approached us with an internally designed Facebook ad for review. Despite having suggested it before, they had not yet explored targeted Facebook campaigns. This request presented a golden opportunity to put Design Thinking into practice.
We kicked off with identifying the purpose – their aim was to book more corporate business. With the objective not really about “doing graphic design”, our vision then shifted to finding the most efficient way to achieve this goal. For goals and objectives, we needed measurable targets – how many more corporate clients did they want to engage?
Our focus then turned to their areas of focus and projects, which revealed an alternative, potentially more effective approach. Using their CRM, we curated a list of 20 past clients that they could connect with directly, leveraging their existing relationship.
The next actions? No ad campaigns. No graphic designs. Just direct, personal communication with potential clients.
This shift in strategy paid off remarkably – they booked 12 out of the 20 past clients. Everyone saved about five hours of time they would’ve otherwise spent on the ad campaign.
Experience the Magic of Design Thinking in Your Everyday Business Decisions
This real-life example shows that Design Thinking is far from a lofty, abstract concept. It is a practical tool that can streamline decisions, optimise operations, and ultimately drive success. So, the next time you encounter a challenge, remember the five horizons of GTD™, and let Design Thinking lead you to an innovative solution.
