Creativity & Innovation Reflection, Week Three

This week was focused on design thinking and how to utilize that framework to achieve the best possible results. I learned a lot about companies and individuals who have used this framework and have been very successful. Knowing that others have succeeded and that this dynamic framework can be applied to many problems and mediums is inspiring. Based on what I have learned this week, I will reflect on some important points, applications, and the crossover.

Important Points

There is a long list of essential points, but the ones that stood out to me were leaning into emotional user experiences, exhibiting thoughtful restraint, and how important marketing is. I’ve always known that marketing is essential, but this was another critical reminder as I have my business vision at the top of my mind. In the live session video this week, Dr. Paul shared that all speakers mentioned marketing and its importance (Kegel, 2024). Today, marketing and content creation are intertwined. I aim to do constant documentation and map out content ideas to keep a social media engagement plan.

Another point was exhibiting thoughtful restraint. This is regarding what a product or service should or should not do. Jon Kolko from Harvard Business Review explained how important this is for a business. This means having a firm understanding of your business and what you want and do not want out of it. And finally, the last point was leaning into the emotional user experiences. Kolko explains how emotional resonance can be hard to track, but it is an excellent way to win customer loyalty. And customer loyalty is priceless (Kolko, 2015, p. 66 – 71).

Application and the Crossover

I have used the Design Thinking framework in past jobs for many projects. I have found this process more enjoyable to work through with others, but that’s not necessary for it to be effective. Looking forward to my business vision, I plan to utilize this framework and document it critically in hopes of not making the same mistake twice. Unfortunately, documenting everything will take a little longer, but I think in the long run, it will pay off. While documenting, I also plan to document marketing ideas and any content I can capture as I go. I do not plan to gatekeep information and want to share as I learn. That said, I will need to be careful; this doesn’t put me in an amateur light and cause people not to trust that my product is good. This will take more time and thought.

Summation

In short, I have learned a lot of vital information to help me map out my business vision and take steps toward achieving that vision. Looking forward, I am excited and inspired. This is a journey, and I think the journey is just as important as the end goal. During the assignments this week, I dusted off a few books I had not read in a while, and it was nice to peek back inside and reread useful information about design thinking and product design.

References

Kegel, P. (2024, August 20). Week 3 Live Session. Full Sail University. https://online.fullsail.edu/messages/16190821

Kolko, J. (2015, September). September Issue, 2015: Design Thinking Comes of Age. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2015/09/design-thinking-comes-of-age