Establish a shared vocabulary

Establishing a shared language is essential when introducing design thinking to a team. Diverse backgrounds often lead to different interpretations of the same concepts, which can create communication challenges. For example, a developer and a marketer might use different terminologies, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

Design thinking tackles this by involving all team members in collaborative exercises from the outset. This approach helps the team to develop a common vocabulary, essential for effective communication. As the team works through design thinking phases together, they begin to speak the same language, both figuratively and literally.

For instance, during ideation, a concept like "Alex's journey" might emerge, symbolizing a customer's experience with a product. Over time, "Alex's journey" becomes a shared term that encapsulates specific customer challenges and needs.