Design Thinking in Action: Lessons from the “New Routes” Experience

Third iteration of our “How might we” approach

Initially, our team struggled significantly to define our central idea. We revised our concept twice, which challenged my adaptability and patience. I learned the critical importance of remaining open to diverse perspectives and different angles, especially when confronted with complexity or uncertainty. For example, our main consultant Sayda played an essential role in helping us identify a realistic and impactful direction based on her personal experiences as a migrant. Her insights were key to shaping our final approach, demonstrating the value of flexibility and openness in the design process.

Sayda and our team at the exhibition

Throughout the project, I observed my strengths in organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly evident during event preparation. However, I also noticed a personal area for improvement: maintaining confidence during periods of ambiguity. The necessity of frequent idea adjustments initially made me uncomfortable, highlighting the importance of developing a more resilient and adaptable mindset. This realization will significantly inform my future approach in similar situations, enhancing my ability to navigate uncertainty effectively.

The event itself became a key highlight for me. Witnessing participants actively engage in networking, storytelling, and skill-building sessions demonstrated the practical success of our design thinking methods. The guest speakers — Brian Tam, Surendran Mahendran, and Ana Martins — each significantly contributed to the participants’ engagement and the overall value of the event. For instance, Brian’s communication exercises created openness, while Surendran’s candid sharing about entrepreneurial challenges sparked meaningful discussions. Ana’s practical advice and relatable experiences resonated strongly with attendees.

Capture of a great talk — Ana Martins speaking about empowering migrants to start home-based businesses

An impactful moment occurred when participants began exchanging contacts spontaneously, planning future interactions beyond our event. This clearly indicated the effectiveness and relevance of our approach, underscoring the importance of designing for real-world connections.

While the continuity of “New Routes” is uncertain, we provided comprehensive documentation to the Lisbon Project to potentially continue the initiative independently. The positive participant feedback and expressed interest in future events highlight the project’s meaningful impact. Moreover, I know that I was lucky to expand my network and my experiences with this project. I’m grateful for my diverse team, where each member brought unique strengths and supported one another, allowing us to achieve a great outcome for our project.

Team Dinner at Ana Martins’ restaurant (The Fam Kitchen)

Overall, this project allowed me to deeply appreciate the practical value of design thinking. It reinforced the importance of empathy, adaptability, and effective teamwork — skills I intend to further develop and apply in my career.

I am thankful for the learnings from this class and happy to use design thinking methods in my further life. Thank you for teaching us and offering us both practical and theoretical knowledge and lessons.

Sophie E.