Design Thinking through an Islamic Lens: A Solution-Focused Approach
Design Thinking is a mindset and a problem-solving methodology that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and collaboration. The approach is based on the idea that understanding the needs and desires of users leads to better solutions.
Design Thinking starts with empathy, where designers immerse themselves in the users’ experiences of the problem they are trying to solve. Through empathy, designers can identify the users’ pain points and gain insights into their needs and potential solutions.
After identifying the needs and desires of users, the designers then move into the ideation phase. This involves brainstorming a wide range of potential solutions, with an emphasis on quantity instead of quality. This phase's goal is to generate many ideas without worrying about their feasibility or practicality.
Next, the concepts are prototyped. This involves creating low-fidelity representations of potential solutions to test them with users, such as sketches or simple models. The prototypes are used to gather feedback and refine the solution.
Lastly, the designers evaluate and iterate on the solution based on user feedback, continually refining and improving the product until it meets the user’s needs and desires.
Design Thinking is a flexible and iterative process that encourages creativity and collaboration, focusing on the user experience to create innovative solutions. It can be applied to a variety of fields and industries, from product design to organizational change.
Design thinking is a problem-solving technique that has been gaining popularity around the world in recent years. From a Muslim perspective, it is important to examine how this approach can be utilized to address social, economic, and environmental issues in a way that aligns with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” [Surah Al-Imran, 3:159]. This verse highlights the importance of consulting others when making decisions. Design thinking places a great emphasis on empathy as a means to understand the needs of the communities, and the methodology encourages consultation and collaboration during the ideation phase.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “All of you are guardians, and all of you are responsible for your charges.”(Sahih Al-Bukhari 6719). This Hadith emphasizes the responsibility that every individual has to their community. Design thinking offers a solution-focused approach that could help individuals identify the needs of their community and create solutions for them.
One of the most significant challenges that face humanity at the moment is climate change. This affects communities all around the world, and it is particularly felt in areas of the Middle East. Design thinking comes into play in this situation, as it could offer solutions tailored for specific communities while also considering their unique environmental circumstances.
The water scarcity crisis is a significant issue in the Middle East and Egypt. Design thinking could be used to develop creative solutions that address this challenge. For example, companies could utilize this approach to design water-efficient agricultural systems that will promote sustainable farming practices.
One of the outstanding examples of a company that utilizes the design thinking approach is Mater Medic International. The company developed Nizamia Hospital in Hyderabad, India, to serve the healthcare needs of the underprivileged Muslim community. For matters related to healthcare, the hospital took a patient-centric view and designed a service that was tailored to the unique needs of the community it targeted.
Many American companies have adopted design thinking; one notable example is the global software company, Adobe. In recent years, Adobe has centered its focus on innovation to improve user experiences of its products. By involving their end-users in the design thinking process, they were able to create products that resonate and reflect the community’s preferences.
The Danish design firm Index: Design to Improve Life uses design thinking to create innovative solutions that address serious societal challenges such as poverty and climate change. One of their projects is a water filtration system that helps provide clean water to communities in Uganda that do not have access to clean drinking water.
Practical Solutions and Advises
To apply design thinking from an Islamic perspective, individuals should:
1. Ensure that their solutions align with Islamic values and principles.
2. Foster empathy and consultation during the ideation phase.
3. Take a solution-focused approach when designing products and services.
4. Build collaborations and coalitions that include experts from different fields and backgrounds.
5. Focus on the needs of the communities they aim to serve and ensure that the solutions they offer benefit the growth of society.
Design thinking presents an exceptional methodology that can assist individuals in tackling social and environmental issues that align with Islamic teachings. By empathizing, consulting, and focusing on solutions, individuals and companies can develop innovative solutions that will greatly benefit the community. I am sincerely interested in learning more about this incredible approach.