In the late 1960s, as the world rapidly changed with technology and social movements, a new approach to problem-solving began to take shape. It started at Stanford University, where a young professor named David Kelley began to question traditional design methods. He believed that successful products should not only be functional but also resonate with the people who would use them.

Kelley and his team realized that many designers focused solely on technical specifications, often missing the real needs of users. To address this, they emphasized the importance of empathy—understanding the user’s perspective before jumping into solutions. This shift in thinking laid the groundwork for what would become known as design thinking.

One of the earliest and most impactful demonstrations of design thinking came when Kelley co-founded IDEO, a design firm that transformed the way products were created. In the early 1990s, IDEO was approached to redesign the shopping cart. Instead of simply improving the cart's appearance or functionality, the team immersed themselves in the shopping experience. They visited grocery stores, observing customers and speaking to them about their frustrations.

Through this process, they discovered that shoppers faced issues like safety and convenience. By understanding these pain points, IDEO developed innovative solutions that went beyond mere aesthetics. The redesigned shopping cart was a hit, showcasing how empathy could lead to truly effective design.

As word spread, the principles of design thinking began to be adopted across various fields, from healthcare to education. Organizations saw the value in placing users at the center of their processes, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Today, design thinking is recognized as a vital tool for innovation. It encourages problem solvers to ask questions, gather insights, and iterate based on user feedback. The legacy of David Kelley and the early pioneers of design thinking continues to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators, reminding us that understanding people’s needs is the key to creating meaningful solutions.

In essence, design thinking is not just a method; it's a mindset that champions empathy and user-centricity in the journey of innovation.