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Problem solving: Adopt design thinking

Unleash the power of design ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
McKinsey & Company
The McKinsey guide to problem solving
The McKinsey guide to problem solving

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How to solve problems with design thinking

In the previous session, we looked at the critical first task of defining the problem through steps, mindsets, languages, and frameworks. In this third email, we’ll look at why design thinking—a human-centered, iterative process—can be especially helpful in solving problems.

Defining the problem and analyzing data are commonly known tasks in problem solving, but how does design factor into the equation? Companies that strategically tap into design thinking—a systemic, intuitive, customer-focused problem-solving approach that can be used to create maximum impact—are better able to respond to shifting landscapes and generate improved performance, write McKinsey’s Michael Birshan and coauthors. The proof is in the pudding: from 2013 to 2018, companies that embraced the business value of design had TSR that were 56 percentage points higher than those of their industry peers. 

Uniquely challenging times call for unique approaches, and design thinking offers a much-needed fresh perspective for leaders navigating volatility. Learn more about design thinking to enhance your problem-solving team’s efforts.

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by "McKinsey Publishing Guides" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 03:12 - 19 Jun 2025