The Double Diamond Model is a design thinking framework that helps organisations and teams to understand, define, explore, and solve problems systematically. It was developed by the British Design Council and is represented as two diamond shapes placed next to each other. The model consists of four key phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. Let’s break down each phase of the Double Diamond analogy:
1. Discover: In the first diamond, the Discover phase involves researching and understanding the problem space. This is where the designers and teams try to gather as much information as possible about the problem, empathize with the users, and explore various perspectives. It’s about uncovering the real issues and gaining insights into the challenges at hand. This phase is highly divergent, meaning it encourages a broad exploration of ideas and possibilities.
2. Define: The second diamond begins with the Define phase. After gathering a wealth of information in the Discover phase, the next step is to analyze and synthesize this information. Designers define the core problems and identify the most important challenges to address. This phase is about making sense of the gathered data, finding patterns, and framing the problem statement. It’s convergent, focusing on narrowing down options and clarifying the problem.
3. Develop: Once the problem is clearly defined, the process moves to the Develop phase. Here, creative solutions are generated. Designers brainstorm, prototype, and test multiple ideas to solve the defined problem. This phase encourages diverse thinking and experimentation. It’s a divergent phase aimed at exploring various solutions and approaches.
4. Deliver: The final diamond represents the Deliver phase. After testing and refining different prototypes, the best solution is chosen and implemented. This phase involves finalizing the design, scaling it up, and delivering it to the users or the market. It’s about executing the solution effectively and ensuring that it meets the users’ needs and expectations.
The Double Diamond Model is iterative, meaning that designers can revisit previous stages if necessary, especially if new insights or challenges emerge during the process. This iterative nature allows for continuous improvement and refinement of the design solution. The model emphasizes the importance of both divergent and convergent thinking at different stages of the design process, ensuring a balance between exploring possibilities and narrowing down to the best solution.
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