How it works

Design Thinking and the Human-centered Design (HCD) methodology represent “an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding.” It is a development program research, design, and development process that tests an understanding or set of assumptions about the needs and preferences of end users of a service or offering. It is widely viewed as a method to gain greater empathy for the end user and deeply understand their motivations and desires for using a particular service or program. While commonly used in product, service, and process design and development applications, when leveraged within a learning and development (L&D) context, it translates into understanding learners' needs and how to design programs or learning and development offerings that best suit those preferences and needs.

Rapid prototyping is an iterative design, development, and evaluation process that engages end users to help design a new offering by reviewing and providing feedback throughout the development cycle, rather than waiting until it has been developed and piloted. This enables a more efficient and responsive development process tied directly to the end user's preferences and needs. Adapted from software development and Lean methodologies, it supports more responsive solution design and faster and more efficient implementation.