Double Diamond

The Double Diamond to me is reminiscent of the Scientific Method, its a formulated approach to solving a problem much like the scientific method is a systematic approach to testing a theory. In fact the Double Diamond must have been inspired by the Scientific Method.

The Double Diamond begins with the Discover phase, a phase in which you research and gather insights to understand the problem space. This is quite similar to the Observation step in the Scientific Method in which you look for a problem or natural occurrence to question.

After discovering a problem you then move the Define Phase, here you are working to organize your findings to clearly define the core problem to solve. Again this parallels the Scientific Method’s Question Step, where you formulate a clear and testable question based on your observation really defining the problem or observation you made in the first step.

Now that you have your problem or question to answer, it’s time to work on a solution in the Develop Phase. This is often an equally exciting and frustrating phase as you test the ideas you have come up with as a solution sometimes finding success, often times finding failure. This phase is directly comparable to the Hypothesize and Experiment Steps of the Scientific Method. The rigorous testing of Hypotheses (or solutions) in various experiments feels just like conducting usability tests of your designs.



Finally after thorough tests and iterations you are ready for the final Deliver Phase of the Double Diamond Process. Here you present a finalized solution ready for implementation. The Scientific Methods ends with the Conclusion and Communication Steps. Drawing conclusions based on your analysis. Deciding whether your results support the hypothesis or if it needs to be revised or rejected. 

Both methods never truly end, the final design is always open for feedback and ready for iterations. The ability to slide around on the Double Diamond is of vital importance to creating strong design using this method, just as the Scientific Method creates Theories for your peers to further review and experiment with.