explore · Problem Solving, Strategy · 30–60 min · 1-10 people · low energy

Design Questions Library Exploration

This method guides participants to explore a curated collection of design-related questions to deepen their understanding of design thinking principles and approaches. It's effective for sparking curiosity and providing a foundational understanding before diving into specific design challenges.

When to use Design Questions Library Exploration

Use this method at the beginning of a design thinking workshop or project to establish a shared understanding of core design principles and to stimulate initial thinking about the problem space.

What it solves

Lack of shared understanding of design principles, superficial engagement with design thinking, teams jumping to solutions without understanding the problem.

How to run Design Questions Library Exploration, step by step

  1. Introduce the Design Questions Library and its purpose (5 min).
  2. Provide individual exploration time (20-30 min).
  3. Facilitate a group discussion to share key insights and questions (15-25 min).

Materials needed

  • Link to the Stanford d.school Design Questions Library
  • Whiteboard or shared document for capturing insights

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to focus on questions that resonate most with them.
  • Provide guiding questions to prompt deeper reflection during the group discussion.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants skimming the resource without engaging deeply.
  • Discussion becoming too abstract and disconnected from practical application.

Variations

  • Assign specific questions from the library to different individuals or small groups.
  • Use the library as a reference point throughout a longer design thinking project.

Running it online or hybrid

Share the Design Questions Library link and have participants explore individually or in breakout rooms, then use a shared document or whiteboard to capture key insights.

What it produces

A list of key insights and questions generated from exploring the Design Questions Library, a shared understanding of core design principles.

Origin

Adapted from Stanford d.school Design Questions Library — source

Build a session around Design Questions Library Exploration

METODIC places Design Questions Library Exploration inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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