Design Thinking Is Not a Silver Bullet. Sorry.

Innovation Needs More Than Just a Process

Innovation Needs More Than Just a Process

“Learning how to drive a car won’t turn you into a Formula 1 driver.”

Everyone’s seems to be (talking about) practicing Human-centered design these days. It’s dangerously about to turn into the new silver bullet or fad. The reason that has driven its wide adoption — being straightforward and simple- can also become its kryptonite.

Many organizations fall in the trap of oversimplifying their path to becoming more innovative. And I hate to break the illusion of your new shiny object but, the sooner you separate reality from corporate myopia, the better.

“Learning how to drive a car won’t turn you into a Formula 1 driver.”

Don’t become one of those companies that check the box of innovation simply because they adopted a new process (call it Design Thinking, Agile, Human-centered design, you name it).

Don’t get me wrong I’m an advocate of Design Thinking (DT). I’ve trained and coached hundreds of people. But I don’t like to be one of those who sell it a…