Double diamond process
The Double Diamond process is a way to approach problem-solving and design in a structured yet creative manner. Imagine you have two diamond shapes side by side, representing different stages of thinking. Each diamond has a phase where you think broadly (diverge) and a phase where you focus in (converge).
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Double Diamond Process in Simple Terms:
- Discover (first diamond – opening up)
- Goal: Understand the problem deeply.
- What you do: You start by exploring. You talk to people, gather information, observe how things are done, and try to understand all aspects of the problem.
- Outcome: You end up with a lot of information and different perspectives about the problem.
- Why diverge: At this stage, you want to be open-minded and gather as many insights as possible.
- Define (first diamond – narrowing down)
- Goal: Clearly define the problem.
- What you do: You take all the information you gathered and look for patterns or common themes. You narrow it down to define the exact problem you need to solve.
- Outcome: A clear and concise statement of the problem.
- Why converge: Now, you need to focus on what the main problem is, so you can start thinking about solutions.
- Develop (second diamond – opening up)
- Goal: Come up with lots of ideas for solutions.
- What you do: You brainstorm, prototype, and explore different ways to solve the problem. This is a creative phase where you think of various possible solutions.
- Outcome: A range of potential solutions to the problem.
- Why diverge: This stage is about being creative and generating a variety of ideas without judging them too quickly.
- Deliver (second diamond – narrowing down)
- Goal: Finalize and implement the best solution.
- What you do: You test your ideas, get feedback, and refine them. You pick the best solution and work on making it real.
- Outcome: A well-developed and implemented solution that addresses the problem.
- Why converge: Here, you need to focus on refining the best idea and making it work effectively.