For years architects and designers have used DESIGN THINKING in their iterative approach to design. However, it recently gained global recognition as a tool for problem solving in business, government, education, or non-profit. It is a methodology that can help develop innovative solutions based on specific criteria.

The best definition we have found for DESIGN THINKING comes from Interaction Design Foundation: "Design Thinking is a process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems in an attempt to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding. At the same time, Design Thinking provides a solution-based approach to solving problems. It is a way of thinking and working as well as a collection of hands-on methods."

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The winslow + partners' team has utilized this approach for more than 40 years. As a result the firm has developed their own approach to DESIGN THINKING after many years of hands-on experience. They use it as a platform for design (with architecture or business solutions), and they call it their Innovation Think Tank.