top of page
A weekly periodical
Writer's pictureallisonjolester

Baking with Innovation: Why Our Community Kitchen Needs a Pinch of Design Thinking



Hey hey, design gurus and budding creative problem-solvers! Today I'm turning the spotlight on our own backyard - our community. And I'm tossing in an ingredient you might not expect in our communal potluck: design thinking.


Now, I see those raised eyebrows. "Design thinking in our community? Isn't that for Silicon Valley geeks?" Well, hold onto your gardening hats, because we're about to go on a fascinating ride.


A Power Tool for Everyday Experts

Design thinking is more than a Silicon Valley buzzword. It's a power tool that turns everyday experts (yes, that means you!) into solution superheroes. It’s a technique that involves understanding the people you're designing for, and crafting solutions from their viewpoint.


And, let's face it, who knows the potholes in your community better than you, who navigate them every day? Who knows the challenges of the local library system better than you, the bookworm always on the hunt for the next gripping read?


Empowering Everyday Experts

The true magic of design thinking lies in its inclusivity. It's not about top-down solutions delivered from lofty ivory towers. Instead, it's about enabling us, the everyday experts, to whip up solutions as delicious as our famous community potluck dishes.


Design Thinking: The Secret Recipe

But what does this secret recipe entail? Here's a quick rundown:

  1. Empathize: Understand the needs and experiences of the people you're designing for. No assumptions allowed!

  2. Define: Identify the problem you need to solve. It’s like choosing which dish to bring to the potluck!

  3. Ideate: Brainstorm a smorgasbord of creative solutions. No idea is too wild!

  4. Prototype: Test out your solution in a low-risk way. Think of it as a tasting session before the big reveal!

  5. Test: Collect feedback and refine the solution until it’s a five-star feast.

The beauty of design thinking is that it invites everyone to the table, creating a melting pot of diverse ideas. The result? Delicious, customized solutions that meet the unique needs of our community.


So let’s start tossing around ideas like we’re at the world’s biggest food fight. With design thinking, we'll transform our community into a Michelin star banquet of innovation.


On your marks, get set, BAKE - I mean - DESIGN!

Comments


bottom of page