What is design thinking?
Design thinking is guided by empathy, creativity and a problem-solving mindset. It encourages exploring problems from multiple perspectives and focuses on solutions that are desirable (human perspective), viable (economically sustainable) and feasible (technically achievable). This process isn’t a rigid methodology but rather an iterative, flexible framework for addressing challenges.
At its core, design thinking includes the following five stages:
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1. Empathise
Immerse yourself in the experiences of users to deeply understand their needs and challenges.
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2. Define
Transform insights gathered into a clear problem statement, keeping users’ perspectives at the forefront.
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3. Ideate
Generate diverse ideas by brainstorming, challenging assumptions and exploring possibilities that address the defined needs.
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4. Prototype
Create tangible, low-risk solution concepts to test functionality and feasibility.
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5. Test
Refine the prototype through feedback loops with users, iterating to improve outcomes that truly work in real-world scenarios.
Design thinking at GHD: Enhancing community value through innovation
At GHD, design thinking is more than just problem-solving; it’s a human-centred approach that drives innovation to create meaningful value for communities. We focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving public services and addressing complex challenges with empathy, adaptability and collaboration.
Design thinking begins with understanding the people who will ultimately use and benefit from the outcomes. It shifts away from purely technical or commercial objectives, zeroing in on community needs and public value. This approach has been successfully exemplified in our Smart Seeds program, which empowers emerging leaders to tackle real-world challenges using design-thinking principles.
Smart Seeds: A case study in thinking differently
The Smart Seeds program is a striking example of how design thinking principles are ingrained within GHD’s approach to delivering public value. This innovative, design-led initiative fosters collaboration among emerging professionals from diverse industries to address complex community challenges.
Smart Seeds participants are provided with workshops to develop critical skills, from empathising with end users to redefining problems creatively. By applying human-centred design, each team embraces uncertainty and explores innovative solutions to intricate problems, such as climate change and infrastructure needs. The program allows professionals to learn by doing, fostering co-creation and skill development across sectors for actionable and meaningful outcomes.
One solution from a recent Christchurch cohort addressed sustainable urban planning challenges. Participants worked together to prototype ideas that focused on environmental regeneration while balancing the economic and social needs of the region. This is GHD's design thinking in action, crafting community-centric solutions through empathy, collaboration and prototyping.
Tools for design thinking at GHD
From the Smart Seeds program to our advisory partnerships, we merge empathy with engineering to create solutions that truly matter — to residents, citizens and users of public services.
We use tools aligned with design thinking to create a structured yet adaptive approach to tackling complex challenges. Some of the key methodologies and techniques GHD employs include:
User journey mapping
Visually mapping user interactions, thoughts and emotions to understand their experiences and identify opportunities.
Brainstorming and ideation
Structuring ideas and insights around a central theme to expand on challenges and generate creative connections.
Prototyping and rapid concept development
Creating, testing and refining low-fidelity models to evaluate potential solutions early in the process.
Assumption testing
Validating ideas by questioning and experimenting with the assumptions behind proposed solutions.
Customer (or user) co-creation
Actively involving community members and end users so solutions are relevant, inclusive and impactful.
These tools keep each phase of the process grounded in collaboration and adaptability, maximising their relevance to community needs.
Bridging engineering and design thinking
For engineers, adopting design thinking requires a mindset shift. Traditional engineering often seeks precise answers to clearly defined problems, while design thinking explores ambiguity and iteration. This dynamic approach allows professionals to reimagine what's possible by balancing technical precision with human empathy.
At GHD, this balance is reflected in our collaborative efforts with stakeholders. Instead of focusing exclusively on delivering technical solutions, our practitioners work as advisors, guiding clients to co-create and implement strategies that meet complex societal needs.
The value of design thinking
Human-centred solutions
By prioritising empathy, design thinking brings clarity to deeply rooted challenges and provides solutions that resonate with real-world users.
Collaboration across silos
Multidisciplinary teamwork fosters diverse perspectives, paving the way for innovative, well-rounded approaches.
Risk mitigation
Low risk prototyping and testing allow teams to explore multiple pathways without significant resource investment upfront.
For governments, NGOs, and other industry sectors, this approach enables a deeper understanding of public needs, creates systems that can adapt over time, and delivers strategies that are practical, inclusive and future-oriented.
Whether you’re looking to tackle sustainability challenges or optimise regional infrastructure, we can guide you through an iterative and adaptive process that brings ideas to life. Together, we’ll unlock opportunities to deliver meaningful impact for your community.