The Double Diamond is a core component in my work process here at Skovs Studio, not only because I know that focusing on user-centered design pays off in the end result. As a creative approach that focuses on solving complex problems in innovative ways, I use Design Thinking to dive deep into user needs and experiences. By putting the user at the center of the design process, I ensure that solutions are user-friendly, relevant, and effective.

Through Design Thinking, I go through several phases: Empathy, Definition, Ideation, Prototype, and Test. In the Empathy phase, I seek to understand users and their challenges. I do this by observing, interacting with, and learning from my target audience. In the Definition phase, I analyze the collected information to define clear user problems and needs. In the Ideation phase, I use brainstorming and other idea generation techniques to come up with innovative solutions. In the Prototype phase, I transform ideas into physical forms that I can test and iterate on. In the Test phase, I gather feedback from users and refine my solutions.

At Skovs Studio, I am convinced that Design Thinking is a powerful method for driving innovation and creating solutions that truly meet users’ needs. I use it daily in my work and strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their design process and create more user-friendly products.

I have drawn this to share it with you as a reader, in case you would like to know more.

With the two diamonds, there are four parts in the double diamond design process:

The Four Parts of the Double Diamond

Part 1: Discovery/Research

At Skovs Studio, the first part of my daily use of the double diamond design process is to understand user needs. It is essential for me not just to assume what the problem is, but to investigate and understand it.

In this first part, I therefore expand my focus, explore possible understandings, and challenge the assumptions I had when I started the project – this is why I say this part is diverging; I broaden my focus, regardless of prior knowledge, because there are often multiple elements at play and new ones to discover.

There are many different angles and methods I can use to investigate the problem or user need. The cornerstone of this and my ideal will always be to talk to the “right” users – those who use or would like to use the solution I’m working on.

But there are also many other ways I can investigate user needs and problems as part of the user-centered ‘double diamond’ process.

For example, I can investigate:

• What do my colleagues in customer support say?
  • They often have extensive knowledge about things that can be difficult or confusing for users. They receive continuous feedback directly from users, making them a good and effective source for understanding user needs. They therefore also make good “proxy customers” for testing ideas.
• What experiences does my sales team have in explaining our value?
  • Sales representatives, dealers, and similar employees who need to explain the value of our solution have indirect experience with user needs because they know what is easy or less easy to sell, what users inquire about, and what potential barriers they might have.
• What existing knowledge about my topic is there on the internet?
  • Desk research is where I often start when beginning a new project: has anyone already investigated what I’m working on. Even though I’m in a unique company with a specific problem, there will often be others who have worked with and invested time and resources in investigating the same or a similar issue.

Methods I often use in this part:

• Observations
• Qualitative interviews
• Surveys
• Desk research
• Diagnostic user tests

Part 2: Definition/Synthesis

At Skovs Studio, the second part of my daily use of the double diamond design process is a time for synthesis. It’s about gathering the insights I gained in the first part and shaping a clear and focused understanding of the challenge, need, or problem that I want to design for.

In this part, I begin to narrow my focus: I converge.

If I have done my work well in this part, the design task stands out clearly, and I can move on to the next part of the process.

This means that the first part concludes with a clear task description (design brief) that clearly defines the need that a solution must address in the next part.

In this part, I often use the following methods:

• Clustering and prioritization of data
• Thematic analysis
• Clarification of assumptions – what have I discovered?
• Design brief

Part 3: Development/Ideation

In the second diamond of the double diamond design process, I am often working on creating the solution that can address the need I have identified in the first diamond and described in a razor-sharp design brief.

In the first part of this second diamond, “Development/Ideation”, I develop ideas that I believe could be used to solve the problem or user need identified in the previous parts. Here, I expand my focus again to come up with many different ideas – to later select one specific solution idea to pursue.

Here, I compare my user insights with possible solutions, for example in a “Value Proposition Canvas”. I ask myself the questions: Do the solutions match the needs or problems that the user has or experiences? And how can the different design solutions address these needs?

Sometimes I have identified a large number of user needs or issues, which rarely can be solved with just one idea. Therefore, I divide the discoveries with Value Proposition Canvas, so my design ideas only solve some of these. Watch the video here if you want a quick insight into Value Proposition Canvas.

After this, I often have several different solution proposals to choose between. I do this based on three criteria:

1. Desirability: Is the solution sufficiently attractive to the user?
2. Feasibility: Is the solution achievable for me and my team, or is it too difficult?
3. Viability: Is there a good business case for the solution?

Methods I often use in this part:

• Brainstorming
• Prototypes
• Mockups
• Service blueprint, user journeys & service design
• Value proposition canvas
• Innovation criteria: Desirability, Feasibility, Viability

Part 4: Delivery/Implementation

From my perspective, the last part of the Double Diamond process is both simple and challenging, but personally very fun: I need to ensure that the solution I have developed works effectively for users.ne.

This means that users must be able to understand, see, and do what they need to benefit from the solution. This is essentially what we call usability and a part of my love for service design.

In the previous parts of Double Diamond, I have identified:

1. A real need/problem for the users, and those who came with the need;
2. A solution that can address this problem.

In this final and fourth part of Double Diamond, I use user testing to improve the concrete execution of the design solution until I am certain that users can interact with it effectively, and I continue until we have a suitable solution that we are satisfied with in relation to the project estimate.

Methods I often use in this part:

• Usability tests
• UX Expert reviews/heuristic evaluations
• Prototype Component testing
• Formative tests
• Validation tests

The Double Diamond design process is an invaluable method for me at Skovs Studio, as it helps me structure my work and ensure that I develop user-friendly and relevant solutions. Through each of the four phases – Discovery, Definition, Development, and Delivery – I maintain constant focus on user needs and challenges. This structured approach enables me to create innovative and effective design solutions that truly make a difference for users. I am always looking for new ways to improve my processes and adapt to changing market needs, and I look forward to continuing to apply and develop my use of the Double Diamond model.

If you can see the benefits of this approach and want to improve your own project, feel free to contact me. Let’s start with your specific needs and create something amazing together.