Innovation and creativity (नवाचार र सिर्जनशीलता) are buzzwords we often hear these days, but how do we actually bring them to life? Whether you’re a student, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a small business owner in Nepal, there’s a method that can help you solve problems creatively and practically: Design Thinking. Let’s explore this fascinating approach in a way that’s simple, relatable, and ready for you to apply.
What is Design Thinking?
At its core, design thinking is about understanding problems deeply, brainstorming innovative solutions, and implementing ideas that truly work. It’s a process that puts people first—whether your “people” are your customers, your community, or even yourself.
An Example in Nepali context
Imagine you’re a shopkeeper in Thamel who notices tourists struggling to find eco-friendly souvenirs. Instead of guessing what they might like, you could talk to them (empathize), understand their preferences, and test ideas like biodegradable bags or handmade crafts before launching them fully. That’s design thinking in action: understanding, experimenting, and improving.
In simple terms, it’s like cooking momos (म:म)—you taste, tweak, and adapt the recipe based on feedback until it’s perfect for everyone.
How to Use Design Thinking in Daily Life?
Design thinking isn’t just for tech giants or startups—it’s for anyone looking to improve or innovate. Here’s how you can apply it in your everyday life:
- Understand the Problem Deeply (समस्या राम्रोसँग बुझ्नुहोस्):
Before jumping to conclusions, spend time understanding the root cause. For instance, if your local football team is losing matches, the issue might not be the players but the lack of proper training equipment. - Brainstorm Creatively (सिर्जनात्मक सोच्नुहोस्):
Think of all possible solutions—no matter how crazy they sound! If your shop isn’t getting enough customers, could you collaborate with local influencers or run a small TikTok campaign? - Test and Learn Fast (छिटो परीक्षण गर्नुहोस्):
Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea. Try small-scale experiments. For example, if you want to start an online clothing business, begin by showcasing your products on Instagram to gather feedback. - Iterate and Improve (फेरि सुधार गर्नुहोस्):
Did something not work? That’s okay! Learn from it, tweak your approach, and try again.
How Businesses Can Leverage Design Thinking
For Nepali startups and small businesses, design thinking offers a roadmap to tackle challenges creatively:
- Understand Your Customers (ग्राहकलाई बुझ्नुहोस्): Instead of guessing what your customers want, talk to them! A startup like Foodmandu likely succeeded by understanding busy urban lifestyles and offering convenient food delivery.
- Reimagine Traditional Processes (परम्परागत प्रक्रियालाई नविकरण गर्नुहोस्): Think of innovations like digital wallets (eSewa or Khalti). These platforms solved the problem of limited banking access by rethinking how payments work in Nepal.
- Solve Local Challenges Creatively: Whether it’s reducing plastic waste or making education accessible in rural areas, design thinking can help identify practical, impactful solutions.
Case Studies
Hypothetical Example: Mitho Dairy
Let’s say there’s a small dairy business in Chitwan, Mitho Dairy. They notice customers complaining about milk quality but aren’t sure how to fix it. By applying design thinking, they:
- Talked to Customers (Emphasize): They discovered customers wanted not just better milk but also timely delivery.
- Ideated Solutions: They brainstormed ideas like home delivery, digital ordering, and eco-friendly packaging.
- Prototyped Quickly: They started delivering milk in reusable glass bottles to a small group for feedback.
- Iterated and Launched: After positive responses, they expanded, adding features like subscription-based delivery.
This simple approach made Mitho Dairy a favorite in their area.
Why Design Thinking is Essential in a Digital Age
As Nepal embraces digital transformation (डिजिटल रूपान्तरण), the ability to think creatively is more important than ever. Design thinking helps businesses:
- Adapt quickly to new technology.
- Create user-friendly digital products, such as apps or websites.
- Stand out in a competitive market by offering exceptional customer experiences.
For example, if a tourism company in Pokhara uses design thinking to create a virtual trekking experience online, they not only cater to global audiences but also enhance Nepal’s digital footprint.
Design thinking empowers us to solve problems, improve lives, and create opportunities. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or changemaker, your next idea could make a big impact.
👉 What will YOU solve today?
Start small. Think big. Act now! 🚀
