Lego Six Bricks Concept
The LEGO 6 Bricks concept is a creative thinking tool developed by the LEGO Group to foster innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration in corporate settings. It’s a simple yet effective method for sparking creativity and generating ideas. The concept involves using just six LEGO bricks to prompt creative thinking and problem-solving.
Mathematician Søren Eilers embarked on a thrilling mathematical journey with LEGO bricks. Initially, the puzzle seemed solved at 102,981,500 possible structures, but Eilers suspected there was more to it. He unleashed a computer program that ran non-stop for a week, unveiling a jaw-dropping 915,103,765 combinations.
To add to the intrigue, Eilers challenged a high school student, Mikkel Abrahamsen, to write a separate program using a different language and platform. Miraculously, Abrahamsen’s result matched Eilers’, proving the accuracy of their methods.
As they dared to venture further, tackling eight bricks became an epic quest that consumed three weeks of computing power. But the real shocker? Even with our modern, lightning-fast computers, a nine or ten-brick solution could take hundreds of years to unravel!
Design Thinking
Design Thinking is a corporate superpower wherein empathy reigns supreme. It’s a dynamic approach to problem-solving that unleashes creativity, inspiring teams to empathise with users, brainstorm wildly, prototype, and iterate. It transforms mundane into memorable, processes into journeys, and disengagement into loyalty. In this mindset, failure is a stepping stone, and diversity is the driving force. Design Thinking is more than a methodology; it’s a transformative journey, a compass through disruption, and a lighthouse to customer-centric success. For corporates, it’s not just a buzzword; it’s innovation’s heartbeat, shaping the future, one beautifully designed solution at a time.
Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasises empathy for users, creativity, and iterative prototyping. Here are some examples of design thinking in action across various fields:
Product Design:
Apple iPhone: Apple’s design thinking approach led to the creation of the iPhone. They focused on user experience, simplicity, and aesthetics, revolutionising the smartphone industry.
Healthcare:
Redesigning Hospitals: Design thinking has been used to improve hospital patient experience. Designers have created more comfortable, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare environments by empathising with patients and healthcare providers.
Education:
Khan Academy: Khan Academy, an online learning platform, used design thinking to develop an intuitive and engaging user interface. They continuously gather feedback and make iterative improvements to enhance the learning experience.
Finance:
PayPal: PayPal applied design thinking to simplify online payments. They focused on making the process as easy as possible for users, leading to a more user-friendly and successful platform.
Social Impact:
IDEO’s Human-Centered Design for Social Impact: IDEO, a design and innovation consulting firm, has applied design thinking to solve complex social issues. For example, they’ve worked on projects to improve access to clean water in developing countries by designing affordable and user-friendly water purification systems.
Retail:
Amazon Go: Amazon’s cashier-less stores are a result of design thinking. They aimed to eliminate checkout lines and make shopping more convenient for customers by leveraging technology like computer vision and sensors.
Automotive:
Tesla Model S: Tesla’s electric cars result from design thinking. They reimagined the driving experience by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and user satisfaction.
Food and Beverage:
Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine: Coca-Cola’s Freestyle machine allows customers to mix various soda flavours. It’s a product of design thinking that enhances the user experience and personalisation in a self-service environment.
Nonprofits:
Design for America: This organisation uses design thinking to address social challenges. They engage students and community members to develop innovative solutions to homelessness and healthcare access.
Government Services:
Gov.uk: The UK government’s website, Gov.uk, strongly focuses on user needs and usability. It simplifies access to government services and information, making it a model for government websites worldwide.
Architecture and Urban Planning:
High Line Park, NYC: This urban park is a prime example of design thinking in city planning. It transformed an old, elevated rail line into a vibrant public space, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Fashion:
Nike Flyknit: Nike used design thinking to create the Flyknit technology, revolutionising athletic shoe design. It combines performance, comfort, and sustainability in one product.
These examples demonstrate how design thinking can be applied to various industries and challenges, with a common thread of prioritising user needs, iterative development, and creative problem-solving.
How are we designed to THINK
Human actions and expressions are fundamentally shaped by the observations and experiences we accumulate throughout our lives. These responses are rooted in our thoughts, emotions, upbringing, education, and the unique circumstances that define us.
Empathy is the foundational step at the core of the Design Thinking process. Now, when we contemplate the myriad possibilities that emerge from the interplay of these six building blocks, the strategic placement of “You” within this matrix unveils an expansive array of options and choices that can be harnessed in any given situation or circumstance.
AI
In the realm of AI, the actions and decisions of AI systems are guided by the data they receive and the algorithms they are built upon. These responses are shaped by the information they have been exposed to, their programming, and the specific context in which they operate.
Just as in human behaviour, the foundation of successful AI development often starts with empathy, albeit in a different sense. In AI, empathy can be understood as understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviours of the users and stakeholders who interact with the AI system. This empathetic understanding is crucial for designing AI solutions that are not only technically proficient but also aligned with human needs and values.
When we consider the permutations and combinations of data sources, algorithms, and real-world contexts in AI development, the strategic placement of “AI” within this matrix becomes pivotal. It opens up a vast array of possibilities for tailoring AI solutions to specific tasks, industries, or domains. As with Design Thinking, careful consideration of how AI fits into the larger picture allows for creating more effective and relevant AI systems that can address a wide range of situations and challenges.
In summary, just as various factors and Design Thinking principles influence human actions, AI systems are shaped by data, algorithms, and context, with an understanding of user needs playing a critical role in their development and deployment. The strategic placement of AI within this framework enables the creation of AI solutions that can adapt and excel in diverse situations.
Thought Leadership
Thought Leadership thrives at the Intersection of Human Behaviour, Design Thinking, and AI:
Human Behaviour: Thought leaders grasp the intricate factors that drive people’s decisions. They empathise with their audience, connecting on a deeper level to inspire action and change.
Design Thinking: Thought leaders use this creative problem-solving approach to understand their audience’s needs deeply. They craft innovative solutions, showing leadership through practical problem-solving.
AI: Thought leaders harness AI’s analytical power to gain insights from data, revealing trends and solutions. This enables them to stay at the cutting edge of their field and provide data-driven leadership.
By weaving these elements together, thought leaders create a dynamic synergy, influencing, inspiring, and driving meaningful change.
As these three elements converge, thought leaders emerge as beacons of inspiration and change. They don’t just ideate; they illuminate. They don’t just empathise; they empower. They don’t just analyze data; they architect futures. In this symphony of insight, innovation, and influence, thought leadership shines brightly, guiding us towards a brighter, more promising horizon, where ideas become reality and change becomes a reality we can all embrace.
