Design thinking is all about branding, appearance, etc. — much of which ignores the gritty truth that needs to be faced. Like the article states, “design thinking sells a fantasy” and oftentimes tries to cover up harsh realities about how marginalized communities are treated, for example, with a pretty logo or catchy tagline. In addition, design thinking boils down to five ‘easy’ steps — painting this process in an easy/accessible manner without actually understanding the customers.
In the example provided by the article — Gainesville — design thinking simply highlighted the existing problems within the city. Their goal was to make a solution that focused on the people; instead, design thinking was used to push the focus outwards and craft an outward, aesthetic appearance. In reality, this solution was simply a temporary bandaid to the root problems.
What needs to occur are actual actionable solutions that address the problems of Gainesville: poverty, racial inequity, etc. This needs to come at the policy level and isn’t something that can be patched up with a new visual style. In a way, this goes exactly what design thinking was originally made to be: a voice and advocate for the customers.
It actually disheartens me quite a bit to hear about how design thinking has become so faraway from its original definition and purpose. It’s important that we address the pitfalls of design thinking now and work towards listening more to the public, putting customer needs first, and not ignore the root problems.
