The IDEO way

1. Understanding & Observation
Understand the field, target group, other stakeholders, techonologies and the potential constraints of the problem. Dig deep and observe experiences from real-life user-perspectives, the problems they face, understand how their needs can be addressed by improving current offerings
2. Observation
Data gathered from observation is analysed to yield as many creative ideas and solutions are possible. The sky's the limit in a brainstorming session. Wild ideas are encouraged and no one should be excluded. Sessions should be intense, visual and lasts for no more than an hour.
3. Rapid Prototyping
Prototyping is the visualisation process of ideas generated from brainstorming. It usually takes the form of a drawing, model or film that describes product system or service. The goal is to clearly communicate and derive feedback that helps us work through the problem we're trying to solve
4. Evaluation and Refinement
Prototyping is at the same time an evaluative process that allows you to make a series of improvements from the feedback derived from various stakeholders. No idea is so good that improvements cannot be made.
5. Implementation
After a period of prototyping and on-the-ground testing, it is time for full scale implementation of the product, system or service on the selected target group. The more comprehensive the design process, the smoother the implementation process.