Mr. Donn Koh’s product design class offered a fresh perspective on product innovation, focusing on solving root problems and creating human-centric products while fostering creativity.
1. The “Why” of Product Design
One standout lesson from Mr Donn Koh’s class was the emphasis on understanding the “why” behind a problem rather than merely addressing “what” the problem is. This approach encourages uncovering deeper insights for innovative solutions.
For instance, instead of rushing to develop apps to combat depression, we must first examine the root causes of this issue. Mr. Koh’s guidance highlights the need to prioritize user-centric solutions over tech-centric or design-centric ones. His example resonated with me, prompting me to reevaluate my approach to problem-solving.
2. Embracing Constraints
Photo by Constraints, often seen as obstacles, can be rather powerful tools for fostering creativity. Mr Koh illustrated this concept by challenging ChatGPT to generate ideas for getting students to embrace second-hand items with a banana — resulting in unconventional yet highly creative solutions. This approach inspired us to apply random constraints in our assignments. This was akin to one of Stanford d.school’s Design Thinking workshops I have seen, where varying constraints are deliberately introduced to stimulate creative problem-solving.
3. Claims of Human-Centered Design
Although I have claimed that I love to create human-centred software, Mr. Donn Koh’s class deepened my understanding of the true meaning of this concept.
He introduced practical strategies, such as grouping similar products together, similar to how shampoos and conditioners are displayed in stores. This simple arrangement streamlines user experiences, making it easier for them to find what they need. My favourite example of this is how IKEA organizes its showrooms in a way that helps people imagine their future homes; it’s a masterclass in human-centred design.
Photo by Furthermore, Mr. Koh’s emphasis on incorporating human desires into product design struck a chord. Rather than solely focusing on creating user-centred interfaces, incorporating human needs into our design would make people genuinely fall in love with what we create. His mention of leveraging loss aversion as a technique in product design, drawing from behavioural economics principles, opened my eyes to innovative possibilities. I would like to try out other behavioural principles such as anchoring to make food prices feel lower in our budget catering app for student clubs.
Photo by In conclusion, Mr. Donn Koh’s product thinking design class revolutionized my approach to product development. His emphasis on understanding the “why” behind problems, embracing constraints for creative solutions, and adopting a truly human-centric approach have equipped me with invaluable tools to create innovative and user-focused products.