Autor: katharina.rauch

Review and Outcome

Throughout my research on the Double Diamond this semester, I have developed an initial paper prototype, which I then translated into a first Miro prototype. I plan to refine and expand the prototypes next semester, with the potential to incorporate it into my Master’s thesis. My prototypes represent a practical, flexible tool that should go beyond theoretical concepts or basic fill-in-the-blank assistance.

Concept and Prototypes

The idea behind my project and prototype is to create a tool that can be easily customised and really used to fit, plan and realise different design projects. Unlike the static representations often seen, such as the templates on Mural as well (where you could only fill in your steps), this tool aims to be truly adaptable in the future and also provide important steps to realise your projects. It will provide guidance on the consequences of skipping essential steps and allow for variable configurations based on project needs. Additionally, this tool will facilitate communication with stakeholders by clearly explaining the importance of certain step.

Double Diamond Template
https://www.mural.co/templates/double-diamond

Design Thinking Canvas
https://www.mural.co

Prototype Features

1. Modular Design: The tool should consists of modular components (methods and tools) for each phase of the Double Diamond – Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. These can be rearranged or removed based on the project’s requirements.
2. Interactive Elements: Each module includes interactive elements that explain the importance of each step and what might be lost if a step is skipped which can be found on the front and back of the cards. In a later step this also will be included in the digital version.
3. Guidance and Feedback: The prototype offers real-time feedback and suggestions, helping users understand the implications of their choices and how to optimize their design process.
4. Tools and Methods for Different Phases: Within the Miro prototype, I’ve also created some first templates that can be used right away to work with – providing tools and methods specific to each phase of the Double Diamond.¹

Next Steps and Outlook

Looking ahead to the next semester, my goal is to dive deeper and at the same time broader into the topic of the Double Diamond. There is an abundance of sources and resources that I have yet to explore. This semester allowed me to cover the basics and gain a foundational understanding, but there is much more to be done to develop an effective, fact-based, and functional tool. For the next semester I therefore plan to:

1. Expand Research: Explore additional sources, academic papers, case studies, industry reports and Miro templates (which I also found while creating my protoype) to gather more insights and refine the tool.
2. User Testing: Conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback on the prototype and make necessary adjustments.
3. Develop Digital Version: Transition the paper and Miro prototype to a digital platform (possibly a combination of desktop app and smartphone application), integrating advanced features and ensuring it is user-friendly and accessible.

This semester, my focus has been on enhancing the Double Diamond framework by making it more flexible and adaptable. The next steps involve extensive research and integrating additional methods, combining it with design thinking for practical use. The ultimate goal is to create a digital tool for projects, accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms. This requires thorough research of various tools, evaluating their applications, and determining the best mediums for different stages of the process. While I’ve currently focused on key elements, my aim is to refine and compare tools and techniques to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly system. Future prototypes will incorporate deeper research, advanced features, real-world examples, and project-specific adaptations.

This journey has just begun and I am excited about the potential of this flexible Double Diamond planning and implementation tool. By building on this initial prototype, I hope to create a valuable resource for designers that is both practical and insightful. Ultimately, the tool should seamlessly integrate all components so that it is useful not only for planning, but also for realising projects. It needs to be even more connected and carefully developed with features that add value. In addition, I want to explore the future potential of the Double Diamond framework and its methods and consider what it could and should be as it evolves.²

1. The content for this prototype was created in collaboration with ChatGPT. ↩︎
2. https://www.mural.co/blog/what-design-thinking-could-be ↩︎

Our aim was to open up how we talked about design, to make that process accessible in a simplified way. We built directly on the shoulders of so many process-modelling designers, so watching its adoption and adaptation is an inspiring reflection of that flow. We never anticipated that this particular model would have so much impact, be so repeated and widely taken up by the industry, especially by non-designers.

Gill Wildman
Founder Upstarter Incubator,
Member of the Design Council team who published the Double Diamond

20 years of Double Diamond

The Double Diamond, created by the Design Council in 2003, marked its 20th anniversary last year. This iconic design process model has become a global standard, widely used by different organisations. The framework simplifies the design process into four key phases, as we already discovered, guiding both designers and non-designers through a structured approach to problem-solving and innovation.¹

Key Milestones and Impact

• Launch and Adoption: Since its inception in 2003, the Double Diamond has been embraced by numerous design courses and organisations worldwide. It provides a clear, visual representation of the design process, making it accessible and easy to understand.
• Global Influence: The model has millions of references on the web and has been integrated into the workflows of many well-known entities, helping tackle a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges.
• Extensions and Adaptations: Over the years, the Design Council has developed additional tools based on the Double Diamond, such as the Framework for Innovation and the Systemic Design Framework, to address more complex, systemic issues. And other companies have developed their own systems from it, which they use successfully.
• Creative Commons License: To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the Design Council has made the Double Diamond available under a Creative Commons license, allowing free use and adaptation. They have also partnered with Mural, a digital collaboration platform, to offer an online template of the Double Diamond. This initiative aims to facilitate its use in digital and remote settings. I would definitely like to take a closer look at this for my project and prototype.

Double Diamond Examples
https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/the-double-diamond/history-of-the-double-diamond/

A Glimpse into the Future

As the Double Diamond enters its third decade, the Design Council continues to adapt and expand the framework to meet contemporary challenges. The Systemic Design Framework is one such evolution, aiming to address complex, interconnected issues such as climate change, social inequality, and other global challenges. This new framework builds on the principles of the Double Diamond but provides a broader, more flexible approach to systemic problems.²

Systemic Design Framework
https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/systemic-design-framework/

The Systemic Design Framework is a powerful tool that helps designers create innovative methods and tools tailored to their specific needs. It is guided by six key principles: focusing on people and the planet, zooming in and out to see the big picture and details, testing and evolving ideas, embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and promoting circular and regenerative practices. Designers take on four crucial roles: system thinker, leader and storyteller, designer and maker, and connector and convenor. The framework outlines four types of design activities: exploring, reframing, creating, and catalyzing. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of enabling activities like setting a vision, building connections, showing leadership, and storytelling to ensure continuous progress.³

The future of the Double Diamond therefore involves integrating it more deeply with other methodologies like Agile and Lean, ensuring it remains relevant in fast-paced and dynamic environments. Additionally, the focus is shifting towards making the framework even more inclusive and collaborative, ensuring it can be used effectively by diverse teams across different sectors. The Design Council is committed to continuously learning from the design community and adapting the Double Diamond to ensure it remains a valuable tool for innovation and problem-solving. They are exploring new ways to apply the Double Diamond in various contexts, ensuring it evolves with the changing needs of the world. And that’s the point where I want to start and contribute as well.

1. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/fileadmin/uploads/dc/Documents/Press_Releases/The_Double_Diamond_turns_20_-_9_May_2023_Final.pdf ↩︎
2. https://medium.com/design-council/the-double-diamond-design-process-still-fit-for-purpose-fc619bbd2ad3 & https://medium.com/design-council/developing-our-new-systemic-design-framework-e0f74fe118f7 ↩︎
3. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/systemic-design-framework/ ↩︎

The Double Diamond is a model for Design Thinking that helps innovators to navigate a design project from concept to completion.

https://makeiterate.com/the-double-diamond-framework-for-design-thinking/

Design Thinking and the Double Diamond are both popular frameworks in the design world. They help solve problems and create innovative solutions, but they do so in slightly different ways. Let’s explore what each framework is, how they are similar, and how they differ.¹

What is Design Thinking?

Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving and innovation. It includes five phases:

1. Empathize: Understand the user’s needs through research and observation.
2. Define: Clearly articulate the problem based on gathered insights.
3. Ideate: Generate a wide range of ideas and potential solutions.
4. Prototype: Create simple models of the potential solutions.
5. Test: Evaluate the prototypes with real users and make improvements based on feedback​.

Design Thinking emphasises empathy, creativity, and iterative testing to ensure solutions are user-centered and effective.

What is the Double Diamond?

The Double Diamond framework visualises the design process through two diamonds, each containing two phases:

1. Discover: Research to understand the problem space broadly.
2. Define: Narrow down insights to a clear problem statement.
3. Develop: Generate, prototype, and test multiple solutions.
4. Deliver: Finalize and implement the best solution.

This framework focuses on divergent (exploring many ideas) and convergent (refining ideas) thinking, ensuring a thorough understanding of the problem and a focused approach to the solution.

Similarities

• User-Centered: Both frameworks prioritize understanding the user’s needs and problems.
• Iterative Process: Each involves cycles of prototyping and testing to refine solutions.
• Phased Approach: They both divide the design process into distinct phases to manage complexity and ensure thorough exploration and refinement of ideas.

Differences

• Structure: Design Thinking is typically depicted as a linear process with five steps, while the Double Diamond is shown as two diamonds with four phases, emphasising the divergence and convergence of ideas​.
• Terminology and Emphasis: Design Thinking focuses on empathy and ideation early on, with specific phases for prototyping and testing. The Double Diamond, on the other hand, splits the process into two main areas—problem space and solution space—each with divergent and convergent phases​.
• Flexibility vs. Structure: Design Thinking is often seen as more flexible and adaptable to various contexts and problem types. The Double Diamond offers a more structured approach with distinct phases for different types of thinking (divergent and convergent).

Conclusion

Design Thinking and the Double Diamond are powerful tools for solving complex problems and fostering innovation. Design Thinking is ideal for projects that require deep empathy and ideation, while the Double Diamond provides a structured approach to explore and refine solutions thoroughly. Understanding these frameworks and knowing when to use each can significantly enhance the design process, ensuring more effective and user-centered outcomes. For my project, a further consideration and approach would be whether it might be possible to combine both concepts and whether they should be included together to create a flexible and convincing planning tool.

1. https://makeiterate.com/the-double-diamond-framework-for-design-thinking/ ↩︎

The Deliver phase is the final step in the Double Diamond framework. This phase focuses on refining and implementing the best solution, ensuring it meets user needs and is ready for launch. Here’s a detailed look at what the Deliver phase involves and how to effectively navigate it.¹

Purpose of the Deliver Phase

The main goal of the Deliver phase is to finalize the design solution and prepare it for market launch. This phase involves rigorous testing, refining, and implementing the solution to ensure it is functional, user-friendly, and aligns with business goals.

Key Activities in the Deliver Phase

1. Testing and Validation
   • Final Usability Testing: Conduct thorough usability tests with a wider audience to validate the solution. Ensure that the product meets user expectations and performs well under various conditions.
   • Beta Testing: Release a beta version of the product to a select group of users. Gather feedback on real-world usage and make necessary adjustments.
2. Refinement
   • Iterative Improvements: Based on the feedback from usability and beta testing, refine the product to address any remaining issues. This includes improving usability, fixing bugs, and enhancing overall performance.
   • Final Adjustments: Make final adjustments to the design, ensuring that all elements are polished and ready for launch.
3. Implementation
   • Technical Integration: Work with development and technical teams to ensure the solution is fully integrated and functional within the existing systems.
   • Production and Deployment: Prepare the product for production and deploy it to the market. This includes manufacturing physical products or launching digital solutions on the relevant platforms.
4. Launch and Evaluation
   • Marketing and Launch Strategy: Develop a comprehensive marketing and launch strategy to promote the product. This includes creating marketing materials, planning launch events, and executing promotional campaigns.
   • Post-Launch Evaluation: After the product launch, evaluate its performance and user reception. Gather data on usage, satisfaction, and any issues that arise, and be prepared to make further refinements if necessary.

Tools and Methods

• Quality Assurance (QA) Testing: Use QA testing methods to ensure the product meets all quality standards and is free of defects.
• Analytics Tools: Implement analytics tools to track user behavior and product performance post-launch.
• Customer Feedback Channels: Establish channels for ongoing customer feedback, such as surveys, support tickets, and user forums.

Benefits of the Deliver Phase

• User Satisfaction: By rigorously testing and refining the product, the Deliver phase ensures that the final solution meets user needs and expectations.
• Market Readiness: This phase prepares the product for a successful market launch, increasing its chances of acceptance and success.
• Continuous Improvement: Post-launch evaluation and feedback help identify areas for further improvement, ensuring the product evolves to meet user needs over time.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Resource Management: The Deliver phase can be resource-intensive. Plan and allocate resources efficiently to handle testing, refinement, and launch activities.
• Time Constraints: Tight timelines can pressure the Deliver phase. Prioritize critical tasks and focus on the most impactful improvements to ensure timely delivery.
• User Feedback: Managing and responding to user feedback can be challenging. Implement structured feedback processes and prioritize changes based on impact and feasibility.

Conclusion

The Deliver phase is a crucial step in the Double Diamond framework. It ensures that the final product is user-centered, functional, and ready for market launch. By focusing on testing, refinement, and implementation, the Deliver phase helps turn design solutions into successful products that meet user needs and achieve business goals.

1. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/archive/articles/design-methods-step-4-deliver/ ↩︎

The Develop phase is the third step in the Double Diamond framework. This phase focuses on generating, prototyping, and testing potential solutions. It is characterized by creativity, iteration, and collaboration. Here’s a detailed look at what the Develop phase involves and how to effectively navigate it.¹

Purpose of the Develop Phase

The primary goal of the Develop phase is to create and refine solutions based on the problem defined in the previous phase. This phase encourages brainstorming, experimentation, and iteration to explore various possibilities and improve them through user feedback and testing.

Key Activities in the Develop Phase

1. Ideation
   • Brainstorming Sessions: Conduct brainstorming sessions to generate a wide range of ideas. Encourage free thinking and creativity without judgment.
   • Sketching and Storyboarding: Visualize ideas through sketches and storyboards to communicate concepts clearly and effectively.
2. Prototyping
   • Low-Fidelity Prototypes: Create simple, low-cost prototypes to quickly test and iterate on ideas. These can be paper prototypes, mockups, or digital wireframes.
   • High-Fidelity Prototypes: Develop more detailed and functional prototypes as ideas are refined. These prototypes should closely resemble the final product and provide a better sense of the user experience.
3. User Testing
   • Usability Testing: Test prototypes with real users to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. Observe how users interact with the prototypes and note any issues or pain points.
   • Iterative Testing: Continuously refine and test prototypes based on user feedback. Iterate on designs to enhance usability and functionality.
4. Collaboration
   • Cross-Functional Teams: Work with a diverse team of designers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure that all perspectives are considered. Collaboration fosters innovation and helps address potential challenges early on.

Tools and Methods

• Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to organize ideas and explore different aspects of the problem and potential solutions.
• Wireframing Tools: Utilize wireframing tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD to create digital prototypes.
• Feedback Loops: Establish feedback loops with users and stakeholders to continuously gather input and improve prototypes.

Benefits of the Develop Phase

• Innovation: The Develop phase encourages creative thinking and experimentation, leading to innovative solutions.
• User-Centered Design: By involving users in the testing process, designs are refined to better meet user needs and preferences.
• Risk Reduction: Prototyping and iterative testing help identify and address issues early, reducing the risk of costly mistakes later in the project.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Resource Constraints: Prototyping and testing can be resource-intensive. Prioritize key features and functionalities to test, and use low-fidelity prototypes initially to save time and resources.
• Feedback Management: Managing and integrating feedback from multiple sources can be challenging. Use structured feedback methods and prioritize changes based on user needs and project goals.

Conclusion

The Develop phase is a crucial step in the Double Diamond framework. By generating, prototyping, and testing solutions, this phase ensures that the final product is innovative, user-centered, and ready for implementation. Emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and iteration, the Develop phase helps turn defined problems into tangible, effective solutions.

1. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/archive/articles/design-methods-step-3-develop/ ↩︎

After gathering insights in the Discover phase, the next step in the Double Diamond framework is the Define phase. This phase focuses on making sense of the information collected, synthesizing it, and defining a clear problem statement. Here’s a detailed look at the Define phase and how to effectively navigate it.¹

Purpose of the Define Phase

The main goal of the Define phase is to clarify the problem. This involves analyzing the insights gathered during the Discover phase to identify the core issues and challenges. By defining a clear problem statement, designers can ensure that subsequent efforts are focused and aligned with user needs.

Key Activities in the Define Phase

1. Data Synthesis
   • Affinity Mapping: Organize the data collected during the Discover phase using affinity diagrams. Group related insights together to identify patterns and themes.
   • Thematic Analysis: Conduct a thematic analysis to uncover underlying themes and insights that can inform the problem definition.
2. Identifying Key Issues
   • Insight Statements: Create insight statements that capture the key findings from your research. These statements should be clear and actionable, guiding the next steps in the design process.
   • Point of View (POV) Statements: Develop POV statements that articulate the specific needs and challenges of your target users. These statements help focus the design efforts on solving the right problems.
3. Defining the Problem
   • Problem Statements: Write clear and concise problem statements based on the insights and POV statements. These statements should encapsulate the core issues and set the direction for the design process.
   • Design Briefs: Create a design brief that outlines the problem statement, target audience, project goals, and constraints. This brief serves as a guide for the design and development phases.

Tools and Methods

• Personas: Develop detailed personas that represent different segments of your target audience. Personas help ensure that the design process remains user-centered.
• Customer Journey Maps: Create customer journey maps to visualize the user experience and identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.
• SWOT Analysis: Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to understand the broader context and environment in which the problem exists.

Benefits of the Define Phase

• Focused Efforts: By clearly defining the problem, the Define phase ensures that all subsequent design efforts are aligned and focused on addressing the core issues.
• Clarity and Direction: A well-defined problem statement provides clarity and direction, guiding the design team in their efforts to develop effective solutions.
• Informed Decision-Making: The insights and data synthesized during this phase inform decision-making, leading to more user-centered and impactful design solutions.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Information Overload: Sifting through large amounts of data can be overwhelming. Prioritize key insights and focus on the most critical information to avoid analysis paralysis.
• Bias and Assumptions: Ensure that the problem definition is based on objective insights rather than assumptions. Validate findings through multiple sources and methods to reduce bias.

Conclusion

The Define phase is a critical step in the Double Diamond framework. By synthesizing data and defining a clear problem statement, this phase sets the foundation for the Develop and Deliver phases. A well-defined problem ensures that the design process is focused, user-centered, and aligned with the needs of the target audience.

1. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/archive/articles/design-methods-step-2-define ↩︎

The Discover phase is the first step in the Double Diamond framework. It’s all about understanding the problem you’re trying to solve. This phase involves gathering insights, exploring the problem space, and engaging with users. Here’s a detailed look at what the Discover phase entails and how to effectively navigate it.¹

Purpose of the Discover Phase

The primary goal of the Discover phase is to gain a deep understanding of the problem. Instead of jumping straight into solutions, this phase encourages designers to take a step back and explore the broader context. This helps ensure that the real problem is identified and addressed, rather than just the symptoms.

Key Activities in the Discover Phase

1. User Research
   • Interviews: Conduct interviews with users to understand their needs, frustrations, and experiences. This direct engagement provides valuable insights into the problem.
   • Surveys: Use surveys to gather data from a larger audience. This can help validate findings from interviews and provide a broader perspective.
   • Observation: Spend time observing users in their natural environment. This can reveal unarticulated needs and behaviors that might not surface during interviews.
2. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Engage with stakeholders to understand their perspectives and constraints. This includes business leaders, team members, and anyone else who has a stake in the project’s outcome.
3. Competitive Analysis
   • Analyze what competitors are doing. This can provide insights into industry standards and reveal opportunities for differentiation.
4. Contextual Inquiry
   • Conduct contextual inquiries where you immerse yourself in the user’s environment. This method helps uncover context-specific insights that can inform the design process.

Tools and Methods

• Primary Research: Collecting original data directly from users or sources through methods like interviews, surveys, and observations.
• Secondary Research: Analyzing existing data and information gathered from previously conducted studies, reports, and publications.

Benefits of the Discover Phase

• Comprehensive Understanding: By thoroughly exploring the problem space, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the user needs and the context of the problem.
• Informed Decisions: The insights gathered during this phase inform the subsequent stages of the design process, leading to more effective and user-centered solutions.
• Innovative Solutions: A deep understanding of the problem often leads to more innovative and effective solutions, as you are addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Time and Resource Intensive: The Discover phase can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. To manage this, prioritize the most critical research activities and leverage existing data where possible.
• Biases and Assumptions: It’s easy to let biases and assumptions influence your research. To mitigate this, use diverse research methods and triangulate data from multiple sources.

Conclusion

The Discover phase is a crucial first step in the Double Diamond framework. By investing time and effort in understanding the problem deeply, you set the foundation for a successful design process. This phase ensures that you are solving the right problem and that your solutions are grounded in real user needs and insights.

1. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/archive/articles/design-methods-step-1-discover/ ↩︎

The Double Diamond is a design process framework. It is a structured method to help designers solve complex problems and find innovative solutions. This framework is represented by two diamonds, each consisting of two phases: Discover and Define, Develop and Deliver.¹

The Double Diamond is a simple visual representation of the design and innovation process. It describes the steps taken in any design and innovation project, irrespective of methods and tools used.

https://www.mural.co/templates/double-diamond

Double Diamond
https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/the-double-diamond/

The Four Phases of the Double Diamond

1. Discover
   • Purpose: To understand the problem deeply.
   • Activities: Engage in user research, gather insights, and broadly explore the problem space.
   • Goal: Gain a comprehensive understanding of user needs and the problem’s context.
2. Define
   • Purpose: To clearly articulate the problem.
   • Activities: Analyze research findings, synthesize insights, and define the core issue.
   • Goal: Create a clear problem statement to guide the design process.
3. Develop
   • Purpose: To generate potential solutions.
   • Activities: Brainstorm, prototype, and test multiple solutions.
   • Goal: Explore various possible solutions and refine them through iteration.
4. Deliver
   • Purpose: To implement the chosen solution.
   • Activities: Finalize the best solution, conduct further testing, and prepare for launch.
   • Goal: Successfully implement and deliver the solution to the market.

How to Use the Double Diamond

1. Start with Discovery
   • Begin by researching the problem. Engage with users, observe their behaviors, and collect comprehensive information. This phase focuses on understanding the underlying issues.
2. Move to Definition
   • Analyze the collected data to find patterns and insights. This helps in clearly defining the core problem, resulting in a precise problem statement that will direct the design efforts.
3. Develop Solutions
   • With a well-defined problem, brainstorm potential solutions. Create prototypes and test them with users, encouraging creativity and exploration of various ideas.
4. Deliver the Final Product
   • Choose the best solution based on feedback and further testing. Refine and finalize the solution, ensuring it meets user needs and business goals. Prepare it for implementation and launch.

Framework for Innovation

The Framework for Innovation expands on the Double Diamond by providing additional tools and methods to support the design process. It integrates strategies for managing innovation, emphasizing collaboration, and iterative learning. This framework helps teams navigate complex projects by offering a flexible, adaptable approach.²

Framework for Innovation
https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/framework-for-innovation/

Key Benefits of the Double Diamond

• Clarity: Offers a clear visual representation of the design process.
• Structure: Provides a structured approach to managing complex projects.
• Flexibility: Can be adapted to different projects and industries.
• User-Centered: Focuses on understanding and meeting user needs.

The Double Diamond framework, along with the Framework for Innovation, equips designers with the tools to tackle complex challenges effectively. By following the four phases of Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver, designers can create innovative solutions that meet user needs and achieve business goals.

1. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/the-double-diamond/ ↩︎
2. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/framework-for-innovation/ ↩︎
3. https://vimeo.com/857497488 ↩︎

In 2003, the Design Council was promoting the value of adopting a strategic approach to design, emphasising „design management“ as a crucial practice. However, they lacked a standardised way to describe the design process. This challenge led Richard Eisermann, the then-Director of Design and Innovation, to ask his team: „How do we describe the design process?“ ¹

Early Influences and Conceptualisation

The idea of using diamond-shaped models in design processes wasn’t new. Richard had encountered similar concepts at IDEO and Whirlpool. At IDEO, the product development process was likened to a diamond-shaped kite. Later, at Whirlpool, the innovation program also used a diamond shape to frame innovation, even calling it the Double Diamond, although with different step names.

When Richard joined the Design Council, he aimed to formalise these ideas into a clear, consistent model. His team, which included Anna White, Chris Vanstone, Gill Wildman, Jennie Winhall, and Jonathan Ball, began by reviewing recent projects and the methods used. They sought to identify commonalities and patterns that could form the basis of a universal design process model.

Creating the Double Diamond

The team deconstructed various design processes, focusing on methods like user research, prototyping, and testing. They recognised the importance of divergent and convergent thinking – expanding on ideas broadly before narrowing them down. This approach formed the foundation of the Double Diamond framework.

Over several sessions, the team developed a simplified model that divided the design process into four distinct phases:

1. Discover
   This phase involves understanding the problem through research and gathering insights. It is characterised by divergent thinking, exploring a wide range of ideas and perspectives.
2. Define
   In this phase, the insights gathered during the discover phase are analyzed to define the core problem clearly. This marks the first point of convergence, narrowing down the ideas to a focused problem statement.
3. Develop
   The focus here is on generating potential solutions. It involves brainstorming, prototyping, and testing various ideas, representing another phase of divergent thinking.
4. Deliver
   The final phase is about refining and implementing the best solution. It involves further testing, iteration, and preparing the solution for launch, marking the second convergence point​.

Implementation and Impact

Once the framework was established, the Design Council began sharing it at conferences and presentations. The Double Diamond quickly became a widely recognized and adopted model in the design community. Its visual simplicity and clear structure made it accessible to designers and non-designers alike, helping to demystify the design process.

The Double Diamond framework emphasizes the iterative nature of design, encouraging teams to revisit and refine each phase as needed. This flexibility makes it a valuable tool for various industries, from business and technology to social sectors​.

Continuing Evolution

Beyond that the Double Diamond continues to evolve, integrating with other methodologies like Agile to address the dynamic needs of modern design projects. This adaptability ensures its relevance in an ever-changing design landscape. My aim now is not only to make the system flexible in theory, but to make it really applicable and traceable in practice.

1. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/the-double-diamond/history-of-the-double-diamond/ ↩︎

Within this second semester of my master’s degree, I would like to change the focus of my blog posts in another direction. Last semester I focused on Cognitive UX and explored the connection between cognitive psychology and user experience design. For this semester I want to focus on the Double Diamond, a model for the design process developed by the German Design Council.

The Double Diamond Framework with its four phases – Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver – provides a structured approach to design projects. My aim is to explore this framework in detail and examine both its strengths and weaknesses. In order to create a first prototype at the end of the semester, which no longer represents the Double Diamond only as a theoretical basis for design projects, but can be used much more as a flexible organisation tool within your design work and beyond that as an aid for successful communication with stakeholders.

This semester’s blog posts should therefore deal with the following contents:

1. Introduction to the Double Diamond: An overview of its origins and principles.
2. Exploring the Phases: Detailed discussions on each phase.
3. Design Thinking: Design Thinking in general and in comparison.
4. Adapting and looking to the Future: How to adapt the Double Diamond.
5. Creating My Own Prototype: First paper prototype for my flexible planning tool.

Ultimately, my goal is to develop a flexible digital planning tool for design projects based on the Double Diamond framework. This semester, I will start by creating a paper prototype, which will serve as the foundation for this digital tool. This prototype, along with my research, will provide the initial basis for developing a practical and effective tool that allows designers to customise the process to their specific needs and use the framework for their specific projects.