Master the Revised Double Diamond Model: A Practical Design Thinking Guide

Revised Double Diamond Design Model – A Practical Guide to Applying Design Thinking, HCD, UX, or Any Creative Process from Scratch

This article aims to introduce designers, innovators, and project managers to a tool for structuring, organizing, and managing design challenges and projects: the revised Double Diamond model.

The original Double Diamond model from the UK Design Council, IDEO’s HCD process, and Stanford d.school’s design thinking flow are referenced, but the author proposes an improved version.

Core Idea

All design innovation projects revolve around moving from an unknown, possible A point to a confirmed, appropriate B point . This is a continuous, iterative process.

Four‑stage Double Diamond

Explore/Research – insight generation (divergent)

Define/Synthesize – focus the problem (convergent)

Develop/Ideate – generate solutions (divergent)

Deliver/Implement – solve the problem (convergent)

The author condenses these into two phases:

Phase 1 – Find the Right Thing (Explore & Define)

Identify the problem before acting.

Phase 2 – Do the Right Thing (Develop & Deliver)

Apply the correct methods to solve the identified problem.

Phase 1 Details

Explore/Research

Analyze design requirements thoroughly, question each aspect, and list as many elements, features, stakeholders, and experience flows as possible.

Cluster findings into themes to form an overall impression, applying scope limits if needed.

Conduct deep research using primary (field studies) and secondary (desk research) methods, referencing IDEO’s research checklist.

After this you should have a wealth of research findings.

Define/Integrate

Gather all research outputs and share with the team.

Cluster similar findings.

Identify insight points—consumer motivations, expectations, frustrations, and opportunity areas.

Formulate HMW (How Might We) questions to articulate the design challenge.

Result: a refined design brief (HMW version) that may clarify or even contradict the initial brief.

Phase 2 Details

Develop/Ideate

1. Ideation – a divergent, judgment‑free brainstorming session using “yes, and…” thinking.

2. Evaluation – select ideas via voting or an impact/feasibility matrix.

Proceed to prototype testing to find the best solution.

Deliver/Implement

Build/prototype

Test/analyze

Iterate/repeat

Focus on MVPs (minimum viable products) to quickly validate solutions.

After delivery, you may return to the start for further optimization, as the process is non‑linear and iterative.

Remember: “Creation is to improve life, repeatedly using new methods for the same tasks.” (Hyper Island, 2016)

The revised Double Diamond is a personal approach, not the sole path; it should be challenged, questioned, and iterated based on project needs.

Depending on roles and projects, only parts of the diamond may be relevant, and flexibility to move between stages is essential.

This framework is optional but has helped the author overcome directionless moments by trusting the model and continuing problem solving.