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5 Misconceptions about Design Thinking



Misconceptions come from inaccurate understanding or assumptions about the subject matter. They can be costly and lead to untold problems. The solution to this is to be adequately informed and get rid of all assumptions.


Assumptions are the lowest form of knowledge. Proper knowledge comes from well-researched information, and this article contains some well-researched thoughts that clear popular misconceptions in design thinking.

A Fabrica 360 has revealed an increase in the number of businesses incorporating design thinking into their operations and reaping the rewards. As tech leaders continue to search out innovative ideas, the volume of misinformation has also increased. It is vital to be clear about what design thinking is and not, for it to survive.


Several myths about design thinking have been around for a while. In this article, we’ll examine five of them.

Misconceptions about Design Thinking

Design Thinking is only for new products.

Design thinking is one of the most common misconceptions about design thinking.


According to Yugal Joshi, vice president at Everest Group, work experience has revealed that the design thinking methodology can be used to improve processes, services, development strategies, project road maps, and anywhere else where an inventive solution is required.


Design thinking is utilized on a variety of levels and in a variety of settings. If we are restricted to the thought that design thinking is only for new products, we will miss having a rethink on existing solutions.


Meanwhile, research by Tanuj Bharat has also revealed that rethinking design processes is needed to gain maximum efficiency.

It is only for those in Tech.

That is far from the truth. The design thinking process is a human-centric problem-solving process. It works for any company and situation that is human-centered. This has been proven right by non-tech companies using the design thinking approach for their products.

It requires an innovation lab.

Design thinking centers on empathizing with user needs and providing solutions to their needs. The process will work anywhere; it does not require a special innovation lab.


Kelker noted that many organizations are creating innovation labs. When brought back to the organization, most ideas developed in these innovation labs fail the human-centric litmus test. Design thinking doesn’t need innovation labs; it only needs to be human-centered.

It increases the risk of failure.

The design thinking process minimizes the risk of failure through user feedback. Since design thinking is divided into stages, there is room for trial and error.


You can put your idea to the test at each of these steps to detect if adjustments are required. It allows you to verify that your product or service has been thoroughly tested before spending significant time and money on it.

Design thinking cures all problems.

Design thinking is not a cure-all. It is also not meant to be a competition for other methodologies like agile, lean, or DevOps, but a compliment. It has a place in the process of solving an issue, just like any other framework or tool. Design thinking enables you to concentrate on creating a product or service in collaboration with the final consumer of that product or service.

Misconceptions are easy to adopt as beliefs and can discourage one from getting skilled in design tech. What clears misconceptions is when you take deliberate steps to learn and know for yourself. You have the opportunity to do just that at the GoCreate USA Bootcamp. You will learn UX design from professionals in the field, and your career path in design will take a new shape. Sign up here for the Bootcamp.

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