What is a Double Diamond Process in Design?

What is the Double Diamond?

The Double Diamond is a design process framework developed by the British Design Council in 2005. It visualizes the design journey as two adjacent diamonds representing the problem and solution spaces. Each diamond follows a pattern of divergent thinking (exploring broadly) followed by convergent thinking (narrowing focus). 

The first diamond helps designers discover and define the right problem, while the second diamond enables them to develop and deliver appropriate solutions. This structured yet flexible approach ensures designers solve the right problems with well-tested solutions.

What are The Two Diamonds in Process?

The Double Diamond framework uses two distinct diamonds because design thinking naturally splits into two fundamental challenges: understanding the problem and creating the solution.

The first diamond represents the problem space. It begins with divergent thinking during the Discover phase, where designers gather wide-ranging insights through research, user interviews, and observation. This broadens understanding before converging in the Define phase to identify the core problem worth solving.

The second diamond represents the solution space. It starts with divergent thinking in the development phase, where designers generate multiple potential solutions and concepts. Then it narrows through convergent thinking in the Deliver phase, where ideas are tested, refined, and implemented.

This two-diamond structure is powerful because it prevents the common design mistake of rushing to solutions before fully understanding the problem. By explicitly separating problem exploration from solution creation, the framework ensures designers solve the right problem with the right solution, rather than creating perfect solutions to the wrong problems.

Each diamond's diverge-converge pattern also acknowledges that creativity requires both expansive exploration and focused refinement at different stages of the design process.

4 Phases of the Double Diamond Design Process

1. Discover (Divergent Thinking)

In this initial phase, designers gather insights and expand their understanding of the problem space. Teams conduct user research, market analysis, trend spotting, and stakeholder interviews to collect diverse perspectives. The goal is to approach the challenge with an open mind and accumulate as much relevant information as possible without immediately judging or filtering ideas.

2. Define (Convergent Thinking)

The second phase narrows the broad information collected during discovery into a clear problem definition. Designers analyze research findings, identify patterns, prioritize user needs, and frame the core problem to be solved. This phase culminates in a well-defined problem statement or design brief that will guide the solution development.

3. Develop (Divergent Thinking)

With a clear problem definition in hand, the third phase focuses on generating multiple potential solutions. Teams brainstorm concepts, create sketches, develop prototypes, and explore various approaches to address the defined problem. This phase encourages creative thinking and experimentation without immediately evaluating feasibility.

4. Deliver (Convergent Thinking)

The final phase narrows down solution concepts through testing, feedback, and refinement. Designers evaluate prototypes against the problem definition, conduct usability testing with users, refine the chosen solution, and prepare it for implementation. The process concludes with a validated solution ready for production or launch.

Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a structured yet flexible approach that balances creative exploration with focused decision-making throughout the design process.

Tools and Techniques for Each Phase

Discovery Phase Tools

• User Interviews: Conduct in-depth conversations with target users to understand their needs, pain points, and behaviours
• Contextual Inquiry: Observe users in their natural environment as they interact with products or services
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluate similar solutions in the market to identify gaps and opportunities
• Surveys and Questionnaires: Gather quantitative data from larger user groups
• Journey Mapping: Document the user's current experience step by step
• Trend Analysis: Research emerging patterns in the industry or user behaviour

Definition Phase Tools

• Affinity Diagrams: Organize large amounts of research data and insights into related groups to reveal patterns and connections
• Persona Development: Create representative user archetypes based on research
• Problem Framing: Craft clear "How Might We" statements to define the challenge
• Prioritization Matrices: Evaluate problems based on impact and feasibility
• User Need Statements: Articulate specific user needs in a structured format
• Stakeholder Mapping: Identify key players and their interests in the problem space

Development Phase Tools

• Brainstorming Sessions: Generate a wide range of solution ideas
• Sketching Workshops: Quickly visualize potential solutions
• Crazy Eights: Draw eight distinct ideas in eight minutes to encourage divergent thinking
• Card Sorting: Organize information architecture with user input
• Storyboarding: Illustrate user scenarios and solution concepts
• Co-creation Workshops: Involve users in generating solution ideas

Delivery Phase Tools

• Prototyping: Create low to high-fidelity representations of solutions
• Usability Testing: Evaluate prototypes with real users
• A/B Testing: Compare different solution versions to identify the most effective
• Heuristic Evaluation: Assess usability against established principles
• Implementation Planning: Create roadmaps for development
• Feedback Collection Systems: Establish methods to gather ongoing input after launch

Each phase's tools support either divergent thinking (expanding possibilities) or convergent thinking (narrowing focus), depending on where they fall in the diamond. The most effective design processes use a combination of these tools, adapting them to the specific project context and available resources.

How to use the Double Diamond Design Process

Start with a Clear Challenge

Begin by formulating an initial challenge statement—though expect it to evolve as you progress through the process. Define the scope, timeline, and team members who will participate in each phase.

Assemble the Right Team

Form a diverse, cross-functional team with different perspectives and expertise. Include stakeholders, subject matter experts, and when possible, end users in appropriate phases.

Plan Your Activities for Each Phase

For Discover: Schedule research activities like interviews, surveys, and observation sessions. Allocate time for team members to share findings regularly.

For Define: Organize workshops to analyze research data, identify patterns, and craft a precise problem statement. Plan sessions for prioritizing insights and reaching consensus.

For Develop: Arrange ideation sessions with clear techniques and formats. Schedule time for individual ideation followed by collaborative development.

For Deliver: Plan testing sessions with users, create a feedback collection system and develop an implementation roadmap.

Document Everything

Maintain thorough documentation throughout the process. Create visual representations of your progress, such as journey maps, insight boards, and prototype iterations.

Embrace Iteration

Don't treat the Double Diamond as a rigid, linear process. Be prepared to revisit earlier phases if new insights emerge that challenge your understanding.

Time Management

Allocate appropriate time to each phase based on project complexity. Avoid rushing through the problem space (first diamond) to get to solutions—this is a common pitfall.

Involve Users Throughout

Incorporate user input in every phase, not just during initial research. Continuous user involvement ensures solutions remain grounded in real needs.

Communicate Progress

Regularly share progress, insights, and direction with stakeholders to maintain alignment and gather additional perspectives.

By following these practical steps, design teams can effectively implement the Double Diamond process to create solutions that genuinely address user needs while meeting business objectives.

Common Misconceptions About the Double Diamond

"It's a Linear, One-Way Process"

Many mistakenly view the Double Diamond as a rigid, sequential process that moves in only one direction. In reality, it's highly iterative. Teams often cycle back to previous phases as new insights emerge. You might return to Discovery after defining your problem, or revisit Development after testing reveals issues during Delivery.

"Each Phase Takes Equal Time"

There's no rule that each diamond or phase must receive equal time allocation. The appropriate duration depends entirely on project complexity, team familiarity with the problem space, and available resources. Some projects might benefit from an extended Discovery phase, while others may require more iteration during Development.

"It's Only for Major Design Projects"

While the Double Diamond works excellently for large-scale initiatives, it's equally valuable for smaller projects. The framework can be scaled up or down, with simpler projects potentially completing a diamond in days rather than weeks or months.

"The Goal is Perfect Execution of Each Phase"

The Double Diamond isn't about perfection but about making informed decisions with available information. Each phase doesn't need to be exhaustively completed before moving forward—it's about reaching sufficient understanding to progress effectively.

"It's Only for Designers"

Though originating in design, the Double Diamond is fundamentally a problem-solving framework applicable to various disciplines. Business strategists, product managers, engineers, and marketers can all benefit from its structured approach to understanding problems before developing solutions.

"Divergent Thinking Means Including Every Possible Idea"

While divergent phases encourage broad exploration, they should still maintain strategic focus. Not every idea or insight deserves equal attention—the key is gathering diverse perspectives while remaining relevant to the core challenge.

Understanding these misconceptions helps teams implement the Double Diamond more effectively, adapting it to their specific needs rather than following a perceived "correct" application of the framework.

Double Diamond on a Budget

Low-Cost Research Techniques

Conduct guerrilla research using coffee shop interviews instead of formal user testing facilities. Utilize free survey tools like Google Forms rather than premium research platforms. Leverage your personal network for initial user testing—friends and family can provide valuable early feedback if you guide them properly.

DIY Workshop Materials

Create your own workshop materials using basic office supplies instead of specialized design thinking kits. Use sticky notes, markers, and large sheets of paper from office supply stores. Digital alternatives like Miro offer free plans that work well for small teams.

Prioritize Your Spending

Invest resources strategically in phases that matter most for your specific project. For example, allocate more budget to Discovery for unfamiliar problem areas, or to Delivery for complex implementation challenges.

Time-Boxed Activities

Set strict time limits for each phase to prevent scope creep. A tightly time-boxed process forces prioritization and focus, making better use of limited resources.

Leverage Existing Data

Before conducting new research, thoroughly mine existing sources—customer service logs, analytics, and previous research can provide substantial insights at zero additional cost.

Remote Collaboration Tools

Use free tiers of digital collaboration tools like Mural, Figma, or Google Jamboard for distributed teamwork instead of in-person workshops requiring travel and venue costs.

Paper Prototyping

Create low-fidelity prototypes using paper and basic materials before investing in digital prototyping tools or high-fidelity mockups.

Community Testing

Tap into online communities, local meetups, or social media groups for user testing and feedback rather than paying for professional testing participants.

Conclusion

The Double Diamond process provides a powerful framework for tackling design challenges with structure and flexibility. Separating problem understanding from solution creation, helps teams avoid the common mistake of solving the wrong problems. 

This approach balances creativity with focus, ensuring solutions address genuine user needs. Whether applied to large projects or small initiatives, with substantial budgets or limited resources, the Double Diamond methodology remains an effective approach to user-centered design and problem-solving.