<ul><li>Discovery: gathering data</li><li>Definition: filtering through data and sign-off</li><li>Development: start to design</li><li>Delivery: test and release</li></ul> These stages work as a map to organise thoughts and improve the creative process. However, the model isn't linear. Designers are encouraged to move back and forth between these stages to understand the problem and how they can solve it.

Four stages of the Double Diamond design model

The definition stage is about filtering through all the information you got from the first stage, then identifying bottlenecks or resource waste, seeing hidden opportunities and creating a no-go list. The end of the definition stage consists of corporate sign-off, when management either scraps the project or approves it.

Definition stage: filtering through data and sign-off

The last stage of this model includes the final testing of the product and official sign-off to production. The final test is the last look at the product to ensure it is without issues. It includes testing it against regulation and legal standards, damage testing or compatibility testing.When the product is launched, your work is not done yet. The product is out there, and you need to listen to users to ensure their opinions are reflected in subsequent versions.

Delivery stage: test and release

The first stage is about identifying the problem, then considering if it is a real problem or an opportunity. Companies will lay down their problem, present a hypothesis, and define the way they can learn more. A study found that keeping employees' minds open to all possible solutions maximised creative problem-solving. However, all the digging will generate large amounts of information, making managing and organising this information crucial.

Discovery stage: gathering data

The Double Diamond design model is a roadmap for the creative process. The British Design Council invented the model back in 2005. The Council wanted to learn more about how people process information to create solutions. Surprisingly, they found that all creative people go through the same steps in search of innovation.

The double diamond design model

This stage marks the start of the actual design process. The development stage involves putting the designers together with internal partners, such as engineers, developers or other departments. By doing this, you speed up problem-solving. The method aims to put the prototyping tool to good use and bring the solution to fruition. When different departments participate in the design process, there are less prototypes needed and less problems with the design.

Development stage: start to design

Collection of Top design frameworks adopted by world’s leading brands for product and user experience innovation

books

Books

problemsolving

Problem Solving

teamwork

Teamwork

business

Business

communication

Communication

Design Frameworks

The double design model is a system that all designers use in their creative processes.

The Double Diamond model sets out the path for those who wish to solve a problem that demands creativity. So it's no surprise more and more UX designers are using it in this creative process!