Honda Design Thinking Guidebook
We redefined design research for Honda USA. By working with teams, experimenting on best practices and literally writing the book on Design Thinking, we reinvented and systematized how research teams work. We built the first of it’s kind in vehicle research lab to that allowed teams to conduct research with participants on the road and not in a facility. The new methods were published in a book that was distributed to design groups at Honda with an impact of aligning teams and introducing design thinking to over 100K employees.
Phase 1: Define
Finding the
Knowledge Gap
Phase 2: Build
Writing the book on Design for Honda
Phase 3: Execute
Building an in-car Research Lab
Phase 1: Define the Problem
Finding the Knowledge Gap
We discovered that team had different processes and needed a unified system for research and design. Teams requested education and skills building around best practices and adequate facilities for research and testing. Identifying the knowledge gap in the organization involved conducting assessments through surveys, interviews, and reviewing project outcomes. This helped pinpoint areas where understanding or skills were lacking, and could significantly enhance performance and innovation.
Phase 2: Write the Book
Designing a Unified System for Design Research and Innovation
We crafting a guidebook tailored specifically for our designers and researchers with a northstar in innovation and practical steps to conduct studies.
Phase 3: Building the Infrastructure
Building an In-Vehicle Research Lab from the Ground Up
We built the first-of-its-kind in-vehicle research lab that revolutionized the way automotive research is conducted. This innovative lab allows research teams to gather real-time data and insights by conducting studies with participants directly on the road, rather than in a traditional, static facility. Our mobile lab captures authentic driving behaviors and interactions in their natural environment. This approach not only enhances the accuracy and relevance of the research findings but also provides a more immersive and practical experience for participants. Our in-vehicle research lab set a new standard for automotive studies at Honda, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in vehicle design, safety, and user experience.
Phase 4: Testing the Syestem
Testing the Lab through Drive Along Research
We didn’t just build the lab, we were the first to use it with user research participants in drive along sessions. The lab allowed us to observe real-time interactions within the vehicle, capturing genuine user behaviors and preferences. This innovative approach marked a significant milestone, validating our new research system and paving the way for safer, more user-friendly automotive solutions.
Project Impact
The new design thinking initiative has sparked a significant shift towards a more innovative, collaborative, and user-focused approach in our projects, enhancing both the effectiveness and impact of our team's work.
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