In a rapidly evolving world, where innovation is the lifeblood of success, the concept of Design Thinking has emerged as a powerful tool to drive creative problem-solving and foster innovation. Rooted in empathy, collaboration, and iterative processes, Design Thinking is a human-centered approach that encourages professionals to tackle complex challenges by placing the user at the heart of the solution.

Cohort 8 of the GCIC Business Incubator convened for their second masterclass on August 9, 2023, at Accra’s Airport West Hotel. The session, skillfully guided by Eugene Eluerkeh, Adjunct Lecturer of entrepreneurship at Ashesi University, revolved around Design Thinking and its pragmatic applications for entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their business practices.

Whist discussing problem solving for entrepreneurs, the facilitator stated that conventional methods of solving business challenges often start with a predefined problem and work towards a solution. In contrast, Design Thinking commences with understanding the problem’s context deeply, often leading to reframing the problem itself. This empathy-driven approach allows designers to gain a comprehensive understanding of user needs, pain points, and aspirations. By truly empathizing with the end-users, designers can identify latent needs that might not be immediately apparent.

The process of Design Thinking typically involves five stages: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.

In the ‘Empathize’ phase, designers engage with users, observe their behavior, and conduct interviews to gain insights into their experiences. This step lays the foundation for the subsequent stages by creating a shared understanding of the problem.