Page 211 - Design Thinking C11

In this chapter, we’ll walk through each stage using the following example: Designing a Smart Organizer for
Earphones, Chargers, and Cables

Stage 1: Observation and Analysis

To identify real problems through observation and understand user needs.
Activities:
1. Observe how students carry and store cables and accessories.
2. Interview classmates about their bag organization issues.

3. Note common problems like: “My cables always tangle,” “I can’t find my USB drive,” or “My earphones
got crushed.”

Tools to be used:
• Empathy Map
• Affinity Diagram

• User Persona
• Spatial-Social Mapping

What is Spatial-Social Mapping?
We have already studied the first three tools in the previous modules. Let us understand what is spatial-social
mapping. Spatial-social mapping helps understand how users interact with their surroundings and how they
use (or misuse) space. In product design, it shows where and how the item will be used or carried.
Example (Organizer Use in School Bags):

Area Observed Use Social Behavior
Backpack inner pocket Items stuffed without order Frustration when looking for cable

Risk of items falling or getting
Desk or table Accessories placed loosely
mixed up
Borrowing from others or buying
Travel Items forgotten or misplaced
replacements

Design Insight: Students need a lightweight, sectioned organizer that fits inside their bags, keeps cables
tangle-free, and allows quick access. This will form the basis of our problem statement.

Stage 2: Define and Ideate

Once you’ve gathered insights and understood the user’s challenges, it’s time to define the core problem
clearly. As you already know, a problem statement is a clear, concise description of an issue that needs to be
addressed. In design thinking, it helps you focus on the real needs of users and guides your ideation process.
Let us go through our problem statement:

“How might we design a compact, multi-purpose organizer to help students carry and access their cables
and tech accessories safely and neatly?”

From here, we will begin exploring creative ideas that could solve it—and that’s where design tools like
SCAMPER can help.

Capstone Final Design Project
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