What is the double diamond design process?
The double diamond design process is a four-phase model used by design and product teams for problem and solution discovery. The double diamond process model is used to help product and design teams clearly identify a problem, gain an understanding of its depth and impact (divergent thinking), and take action to fix that problem, typically within a product, feature, or experience (convergent thinking).
Phases of the double diamond design process
The double diamond design process consists of four phases: discover, define, develop, and deliver. The first two phases are focused on exploring the problem space, while the last two phases focus on the solution space, but they each have different goals.
Discover: The start of the diamond is used to help you understand what the problem is. Discovery happens by talking with people who are impacted by or are experiencing the issue.
Define: During the next stage of the first diamond, your team will clearly define the problem. Shaping the problem as what the issue is, who it's being experienced by, what impact that issue has on the user, and what the current alternatives are can provide a much clearer picture as you create your solution.
Develop: The start of the second diamond is where you'll develop possible answers or solutions to the defined problem.
Deliver: Finally, to end the process, you'll build, test, and iterate a chosen solution until you have a solution to the problem.
What are the design principles for the double diamond design framework?
To be as effective as possible with the double diamond model, you need to adopt four key principles:
- Customers First. Involve, talk with, and seek to truly understand your customers.
- Communicate Visually and Inclusively. Ensure everyone is on the same page and that everyone who needs to or can take action is involved in the process.
- Co-create and Collaborate. Everyone can be a designer or innovator, so work as a group to solve the problem.
- Iterate. Failing fast and iterating is a good way to get the most impactful design or solution out the door.
Get Started for Free or Schedule a Live Demo to Learn More
