> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mars-solutions-lab.gitbook.io/living-guide-to-social-innovation-labs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mars-solutions-lab.gitbook.io/living-guide-to-social-innovation-labs/seeing/design-research/human-centered-design-thinking.md).

# Design Thinking

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Introduction to Design Thinking by Alex Ryan
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Design thinking is an approach to solving problems based on design principles. Design thinking is unique because it starts at desirability – it is human-centered from the beginning of the process, and only after understanding the user (ie. a person) in a deeper way does it narrow down options to what is feasible/ viable for the business/ service provider. It is not a linear process.

IDEO’s model found in their [Design Kit](https://www.ideo.com/post/design-kit) shows us how the solutions that emerge at the end of human-centered design should hit the overlap of these three lenses: they need to be desirable, feasible, and viable.

In the context of social innovation, solutions also need to be positively impactful for people.&#x20;

![Adapted from IDEO. Human-Centered Design Toolkit, 2009.](/files/-LemwjbQgrR9aNBy7863)

For more information on Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability, please refer to this [article](https://medium.com/innovation-sweet-spot/desirability-feasibility-viability-the-sweet-spot-for-innovation-d7946de2183c) and IDEO's [Field Guide to Human-Centered Design](http://www.designkit.org//resources/1).&#x20;