Unit 4, Blog Entry 1: Design-Thinking Methods
In Bootcamp Bootleg they discuss the mode of empathizing where one observes, engages, and immerses. By acting on these we can be become better human-centered designers. If we do a paradigm shift where we become the user, we will be able to create a better solution or product. We can understand more of how people will use something, what needs the person has, and learn more about the user or target audience overall. This also translates into the methods of interviewing and assuming a beginners mindset. Interviewing is not only for writing a story but for understanding a user or audience. What is the need? I do this often with people who have a project and I want to find out more about their problem or the audience that they are targeting. Practicing to prepare for interviews is always helpful and I find that people really do appreciate it when you take their time seriously and are prepared with questions, research, etc. Here you are also empathizing with the interviewer. I find that also going into certain interviews with somewhat of a beginners mindset can be helpful when it’s a brand new project and you really want truly empathize with the person you are working with or the audience. People tend to like it when you truly listen to them and feel like they are being heard.