Design Thinking Bootleg
Collection of tools and methods for Design Thinking modes.
PURPOSE
The Design Thinking Bootleg is used to provide Design Thinking practitioners with a comprehensive, ready-to-use collection of methods for all phases of the Design Thinking process. It solves the problem that teams know the Design Thinking process but often don't know which specific methods are most effective in each phase. This enables structured, methodical execution of Design Thinking projects with proven methods.
HOW TO USE
Use the Bootleg as a reference guide and method toolkit during your Design Thinking projects. Select the appropriate methods from the collection for each phase (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test). Read the brief instructions and apply the methods directly in workshops. The Bootleg is suitable both for beginners as an entry point and for experienced practitioners to expand their method repertoire.
WHAT IT IS
The Design Thinking Bootleg is a method collection from the Stanford d.school that compiles over 80 methods and tools for the five phases of the Design Thinking process. Each method is described with brief instructions, tips, and variations. The Bootleg is designed as a practice-oriented handbook that Design Thinking facilitators and teams can use directly in workshops.
EXAMPLE
Example: As a UX design instructor preparing a three-day workshop, you use the Design Thinking Bootleg from the d.school as a method collection – selecting How-Might-We questions for the Define phase, Crazy Eights for Ideation, and I Like / I Wish / What If for prototype feedback. This gives you the right exercise for each phase immediately.