What is the Double Diamond?

The Double Diamond is a design process framework introduced by the British Design Council in 2005. It simplifies the design process (and any creative endeavor) into four distinct stages:

1. Discover - We kick off with the Discover phase, where we cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the problem at hand. This is the time to delve deeply into the issue, examining it as it currently stands, without any judgment.
2. Define - Next, we take the insights gathered during the Discover phase and consolidate that information to articulate the challenge in a new light. By consciously approaching the issue with a reduced sense of judgment, we can better frame it in actionable ways.
3. Develop - The Develop phase enables us to take this clearly articulated problem and collaborate with others to discover solutions. This is why many UX positions require strong teamwork skills; to uncover unique resolutions, we must be open to influences from others.
4. Deliver - Finally, we begin testing various solutions. Not every option will resonate with us, so this is our chance to gain insights into which solutions are effective and which are not.

This visual representation of the Double Diamond helps us understand whether we’re narrowing or expanding our focus throughout the process.

Can This Model Really Enhance My Life?

Absolutely! While UX researchers aim to improve our apps and checkout experiences, there’s a tangible impact on our personal lives as well. When we apply these principles to our own experiences, we can enhance our effectiveness as UX professionals.

Let’s break this down further, using my own journey as a user persona.

Meet Becky

Hi there! I’m Becky, your dedicated author. If you haven’t followed me on Medium or any other platform, now’s your chance.

Discover Phase

My discovery phase began when I found myself trapped in an unfulfilling marriage. I adored my two children, but despite my best efforts, joy eluded me. I had a career in Education, yet it didn’t bring me the happiness it once provided my mother. Every morning, I woke up filled with anxiety, my body signaling distress.

How did I manage this? I sought therapy. Engaging with a therapist allowed me to look at my situation objectively, a vital aspect of the Discover phase.

My therapist pointed out that it wasn’t normal to feel nauseous every morning. She helped me realize that my mother’s aspirations weren’t necessarily my own and clarified that my husband’s repeated reassurances weren’t genuine support. This gave me valuable insights.

Define Phase

Through self-reflection and therapy, I was able to articulate my challenges. I didn’t just overthink; I was grappling with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I wasn’t failing to satisfy my husband; I was navigating a troubled marriage. I wasn’t merely irritable; I had traits associated with Borderline Personality Disorder.

For the first time, I felt acknowledged and understood. I began to see the contours of my issues and recognized how my own critical self-judgment clouded my perceptions during the Discover phase. It turns out that chastising myself to “just get over it” isn’t an effective way to resolve problems.

Develop Phase

Moving on to the Development phase, it was clear that simply enduring my situation wasn’t working. I embarked on a journey of self-development. To genuinely understand myself, I needed to connect and engage with diverse experiences. I read books, listened to TED Talks, consulted a life coach, and confided in friends. Some advice resonated, while other insights fell flat, but I persevered.

To cultivate something meaningful, we must engage with the world around us. The Development phase is about aggregating information from various sources, including those we may not have considered before. For me, that meant meeting my now-wife, a woman who helped me feel seen, beautiful, and valued. This realization led me to accept my identity as a gay woman.

Deliver Phase

Eventually, I noticed patterns emerging in the self-help literature. Repeated truths began to surface. One day, I kissed a girl and felt as though I was floating. I took small steps into this new world, continuously checking in with myself.

In this Deliver phase, I left my unhappy marriage and the job that had never truly fulfilled me. Throughout this journey, I engaged in ongoing self-analysis, questioning whether I had ruined my life. Instead, I found that I was alive and, for the first time, genuinely happy. Many of my hypotheses proved correct.

The Solution

So, does solving your problems mean quitting your job and embracing your true identity? Perhaps not. However, the techniques employed in the Double Diamond framework are universally applicable.

When you learn to address your issues, you can tackle them with an open heart, patience, and kindness toward yourself. While life continues to present challenges, the confidence I’ve gained in my problem-solving abilities makes them feel far more manageable.

Just as we utilize UX research skills to enhance user experiences, you too have the right to optimize your life. One of my favorite quotes is, “What you cannot change, you must endure.” But the truth is, you can change more than you realize. You do not have to endure what does not serve you. Problems are not the dead ends they may seem.

So give it a try and share your thoughts. What challenges are you facing, and how can the UX Double Diamond assist you in navigating them?

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