Introduction

The Share phase is where the outcomes of the Design Thinking process are communicated to stakeholders, users, and team members. It is not just about presenting a final solution but also about sharing the journey, insights, and lessons learned along the way. Effective sharing ensures that the solution’s impact is understood and embraced, while fostering collaboration and buy-in for implementation.

This phase is an opportunity to celebrate achievements, reflect on the process, and inspire action. By using clear, engaging, and user-centered communication methods, teams can ensure that their efforts resonate with the intended audience and drive meaningful change.

Definition

Share is the process of communicating the results, insights, and outcomes of the Design Thinking process to engage stakeholders and encourage collaboration.

Overview

Sharing goes beyond showcasing a solution. It includes articulating the journey that led to the result, highlighting key insights, and demonstrating how user feedback shaped the outcome. This transparency fosters trust and alignment among stakeholders, creating a shared understanding of the solution’s value and relevance.

The Share phase leverages storytelling, visual communication, and interactive presentations to engage the audience. It is also a chance to gather feedback on the final solution and identify opportunities for future collaboration or improvement. Sharing effectively ensures that the solution’s purpose and potential are communicated clearly, inspiring action and support.

Process

The Share phase requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that the outcomes of the Design Thinking process are communicated effectively and resonate with the intended audience. This phase is not just about delivering results but also about fostering understanding, alignment, and collaboration. A well-structured sharing process allows teams to highlight key insights, demonstrate the value of the solution, and create opportunities for future engagement. By framing the solution within the context of the journey and the user needs it addresses, the audience can better appreciate its relevance and impact. Below are the key steps to successfully navigate the Share phase.

1. Define the Audience:
   • Identify the stakeholders, users, and team members who need to understand the solution.
   • Tailor the communication style and content to meet the needs and interests of each audience group.
2. Select the Right Medium:
   • Choose formats that best convey the solution and its impact, such as presentations, videos, reports, or interactive demos.
   • Consider combining multiple mediums for a more comprehensive and engaging presentation.
3. Tell the Story:
   • Highlight the problem statement, user insights, and how the solution addresses the identified challenges.
   • Use storytelling techniques to make the journey relatable and memorable.
   • Include key milestones, challenges overcome, and the evolution of the solution.
4. Showcase the Solution:
   • Demonstrate how the solution works and its benefits for users and stakeholders.
   • Use visual aids, prototypes, or live demonstrations to make the solution tangible.
5. Encourage Feedback and Collaboration:
   • Invite stakeholders to share their perspectives, ask questions, and suggest improvements.
   • Foster an open dialogue to ensure alignment and uncover new opportunities for collaboration.
6. Document and Share Learnings:
   • Capture the key takeaways, insights, and lessons learned from the process.
   • Share this documentation with the broader organization or community to inspire future projects.

Tools

Effectively sharing the results of the Design Thinking process requires leveraging tools that enhance communication, foster collaboration, and engage the audience. These tools not only help convey the final solution but also highlight the journey, insights, and impact of the process. Choosing the right tools ensures that the message is clear, visually appealing, and tailored to the needs of the audience. Below are some commonly used tools that can elevate the Share phase:

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides to create visually appealing presentations.
• Video Editing Platforms: Applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or Canva to produce storytelling videos.
• Prototyping and Demo Tools: Platforms like Figma, InVision, or Proto.io to showcase interactive solutions.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Miro, MURAL, or Microsoft Teams to facilitate discussions and gather feedback in real-time.
• Documentation Templates: Standardized formats for capturing and sharing insights, such as case studies or process summaries.
• Storytelling Frameworks: Guides or templates to structure compelling narratives around the project and its outcomes.

Example

In the community gardening initiative, the team prepares to share the outcomes of their work with local government officials, community leaders, and residents. They create a presentation that:

• Starts with the problem statement: “How might we create inclusive community gardening programs that provide accessible resources and support urban residents in building gardening confidence?”
• Highlights user insights, such as the need for beginner-friendly workshops and accessible gardening spaces.
• Demonstrates the final prototypes, including a video showcasing a pop-up garden and a live demo of the gardening workshop website.
• Tells the story of how user feedback shaped the solution, from initial ideas to refined prototypes.

The team uses a combination of storytelling, visuals, and interactive elements to engage the audience. They also invite feedback and suggestions, leading to a partnership with a local nonprofit to expand the initiative.

Common Mistakes

The Share phase holds immense potential for driving engagement and fostering collaboration, but common mistakes can hinder its impact. Missteps often arise when teams overlook the importance of storytelling, fail to invite feedback, or neglect visual communication. These issues can lead to confusion, disengagement, or missed opportunities for alignment and improvement. By proactively addressing these challenges, teams can ensure their efforts resonate deeply with their audience. Below are common mistakes to avoid and strategies to overcome them:

• Focusing Solely on the Solution: Neglecting to share the journey and user insights can diminish the perceived value of the process.
• Overloading the Audience: Including too much detail can overwhelm stakeholders. Focus on key points and tailor the depth of information to the audience.
• Ignoring Visual Communication: Poorly designed visuals or a lack of visual aids can make the presentation less engaging and harder to understand.
• Skipping Feedback Opportunities: Failing to invite input can limit collaboration and the potential for future improvements.
• Underestimating the Importance of Storytelling: A lack of narrative can make the presentation feel disconnected or unmemorable.

FAQs

• Why is the Share phase important in Design Thinking? It ensures that the solution and its impact are understood, embraced, and acted upon by stakeholders.
• What is the best way to present Design Thinking outcomes? Use a combination of storytelling, visuals, and interactive elements to engage your audience effectively.
• How do you handle critical feedback during the Share phase? Embrace feedback as an opportunity to refine the solution and build stronger alignment with stakeholders.

Next Steps

Reflect on the feedback received during the Share phase and determine any necessary adjustments to the solution. Leverage the lessons learned to inform future projects and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.