As previously explained, the  design thinking  methodology has 5 stages:  Empathize ,  Define ,  Ideate ,  Prototype , and  Test . The five stages are carried out iteratively and linearly. That is, these stages do not have to be done sequentially; researchers  can return to the previous stage to dig up more data.

1. Empathize

At the  empathize stage ,  the researcher  collects high-quality data to understand the  user . At this stage, you must understand the  user 's needs, constraints, behavior, and aspirations . For that, you have to empathize with the  user , observe and interact without having assumptions that can block your point of view.

2. Define

Based on the data that you have obtained from the  empathize stage , you can begin to define  the insights  and patterns that emerge. What are the main problems faced by  users ? What obstacles were found? What are their hopes?

3. Idea

fter understanding and clearly defining the  user  and  problem  , you can now think of a suitable solution in the  ideate stage . At this stage, you can create mind-maps and wireframes to think about the solutions you offer to existing problems.

4. Prototype

Well, at this stage you will turn your ideas into reality! The prototype  that is made does not have to be perfect, because it will be tested  in the following stages and will be improved iteratively continuously.

5. Test

After creating a  prototype , you must check whether the solution you provide really answers the  user 's needs . At this stage, you can do various types of  testing  to get  real feedback  from  users . Make sure at the end of this stage, you understand correctly whether there are aspects that can be improved again and then re-developed.