Chapter 3: Empathize

Definition of Empathize
Given the identification of a specific challenge or problem,
the first step of Design Thinking aims at:
• Framing the starting context
• Detecting users’ insights, beliefs, and values
• Understanding the needs of the players involved and reflecting on them

Empathy is the foundation of human-centred design.
The “Empathize” stage in Design Thinking means:
• Observing users and their behaviour in the context of their lives
• Encountering and engaging users in specific interviews and interacting with them
• Immersing oneself in the users’ experience and “putting yourself in their shoes”

Learning objectives in this chapter

The learner can:

• interpret the user’s needs and the starting context through specific tools
• carry out the whole Empathize stage and an interview for empathy