What is meant by 'design thinking'?

Design thinking is a methodology that prioritizes understanding the needs and experiences of users and emphasizes iterative testing to develop effective solutions. This approach is characterized by its human-centered focus, which seeks to gather deep insights into user behavior and preferences.

In design thinking, empathy is crucial as it allows designers to understand the context and challenges that users face, leading to more effective and relevant solutions. The iterative aspect of this approach means that designers continually prototype, test, and revise their ideas based on user feedback. This cycle of experimentation fosters innovation and helps ensure that the final product truly meets the needs of its intended audience.

This contrasts with the other options, which either present a more rigid or superficial focus that does not capture the essence of design thinking. While some methodologies might prioritize cost-cutting or beauty alone, they do not encompass the holistic, user-driven process that design thinking embodies.