This template guides you through a two-part exploration to enhance your understanding of user needs and aspirations, setting the stage for successful design thinking.

Materials:

1. This template with "News Headlines" section and sailboat illustration
2. Markers or pens
3. Sticky notes

Time: 45 minutes

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Part 1: Desired Outcomes (20 minutes)

Imagine the future: Think about your target users and envision their ideal scenario after interacting with your solution. Focus on the positive impact and desired achievements, not specific implementation details.

News Headlines:

1. Use the provided newspaper mockups to write catchy headlines that capture the essence of your users' success.
2. Consider different perspectives and potential user segments.
3. Aim for creativity and excitement in your headlines.

Part 2: Sailboat Exercise (15 minutes)

Reflect on the journey: This mini-retrospective helps identify forces pushing and hindering your project's progress.

Sailboat Illustration:

1. On sticky notes, write down factors currently propelling your project forward ("wind in the sails").
2. Place these on the sails of the illustration.
3. Below, identify challenges and obstacles holding you back ("choppy water").
4. Add these to the corresponding area near the anchor.

Part 3: How Might We? (10 minutes)

Breakthrough brainstorming: Translate insights from Parts 1 and 2 into actionable questions that spark creative solutions.

How Might We? Statements:

1. Write as many "How might we..." questions as possible on the bottom of the template.
2. Focus on user needs and desired outcomes identified earlier.
3. Consider both realistic and seemingly impossible scenarios.
4. Remember, there are no bad ideas at this stage!

Tips:

1. Encourage active participation and diverse perspectives from all team members.
2. Use visuals and creative thinking techniques to stimulate ideas.
3. Don't judge or limit suggestions at this stage.
4. Build upon each other's ideas and explore unexpected possibilities.
5. Use this exercise as a stepping stone for the next stage of ideation.

Remember: By understanding user aspirations and challenges, you can design solutions that truly resonate with their needs and lead to positive outcomes. This empathy-driven approach forms the foundation for successful design thinking projects.

Additional Notes:

1. Adapt the "News Headlines" section to fit your specific project and target audience.
2. Use the Sailboat exercise to identify opportunities for improvement and potential roadblocks.
3. The "How Might We?" questions will guide your brainstorming session in the next stage.
4. Consider conducting user interviews or research to supplement your understanding of user needs and aspirations.

By following these steps and adapting them to your specific project, you can leverage this template to gain deeper empathy for your users and set the stage for innovative solutions.