Thinking About Design Thinking

Last night was the best meeting I ever attended! Why? We were asked to dig in and create.  What fascinated me the most was how the steps that we needed to follow led to a depth of understand for another human being in such a short period of time.  Initially, I was frustrated on multiple levels. I had to not partner with my friend and teaching partner and go sit with a stranger.  Blessing.  He was wonderful to talk to and I think I got more out of the lesson because we had absolutely zero prior knowledge of one another...hmmm, teaching point??? Also, the control freak that I am was having severe issues not understand what the end product was going to be? I absolutely lacked vision.  As we continued through the process, understandings became clearer and I began to relax...a little.  You can't stop a control freak in just one lesson. :) Then, the best part ever! I got to play!!! Was my "design" good? Oh, heck no! Was it fun? Absolutely and even better than that, it served a purpose and got my point across.  Amazing how questioning about a present can lead to designing a portal where my partner, "Hennessy loving, beer forgetting Xen needs a way to show gratitude because he has extremely loyal, life changing impactful friendships", can magically access whatever he needs to celebrate those bonds.  Thanks for the mind expansion Techie world!!!