Design Thinking Methods Catalogue

# Empathise

# Search field determination

Purpose
To understand the problem from several perspectives
Time required
From 4 hours to several weeks
Participants
Design Thinking team
Level of experience
experienced

# What is it about?

The search field determination is about investigating the problem or question environment and thereby breaking old thought patterns and prejudices of the stakeholders. The situation in the company should be examined from as many different angles as possible.

# The goal

The aim of the search field determination is to achieve a holistic but neutral view of the current situation and the problem environment. The determination of the search field is successfully completed when all parties involved are able to view the problem from several perspectives.

# How to do it?

The determination of the search field is a process whose steps can be iterated as often as desired.

  1. Survey: Collect data on the topic and on employees' views.
    For this purpose you can conduct interviews, role plays or other exercises.
  2. Transformation: Add new perspectives to the data gained.
    Use mindmapping, fantasy travel and other creative techniques.
  3. Processing: Consider questions that could not be sufficiently clarified and create materials based on the previous results. In this way the participants reflect on the topic and sharpen their awareness.

# When do you need it?

The search field determination makes sense especially at the beginning of a design thinking project, when the team members are neither familiar with the topic of the problem nor involved with the stakeholders. The determination of the search field is the first step on the way to sustainable innovations.

# Resources

  • Project team and employees of the company
  • Paper, pens, interview sheets
  • Further materials needed for the chosen creative methods

# Advantages

This method is suitable for initiating a paradigm shift in the company in order to generate innovative solutions. It enables new approaches by looking at the problem from different perspectives and building a new understanding of the context.

# Disadvantages

The process duration can vary greatly depending on the use case. In addition, a pleasant atmosphere with motivated people is essential for the success of this method.

# Keep in mind

The complexity of the search field determination can vary. It can be held in the form of a single workshop, but can also last several weeks. You should define the approximate scope of the search field definition in advance.

# See also

Previous methods
    		Alternative methods Following methods

    # Sources

    ← Emotional Journey Map →