The terms “frameworks,” “models,” and “methods” are often used interchangeably. While this may seem harmless, confusing these terms can lead to miscommunication, unclear strategies, and poor outcomes. Each serves a unique purpose, and understanding the differences can significantly improve how we approach problem-solving and innovation.
Let’s break these concepts down, starting with frameworks, and explore how they connect.
What is a Framework?
A framework is a structured guide or set of principles that organizes and informs decision-making or action. It provides an overarching structure for navigating complexity and helps ensure a systematic approach to solving problems.
Example: Design Thinking Framework
One of the most famous frameworks is Design Thinking, which is widely used for innovation and problem-solving. It divides the process into five distinct phases:
1. Empathize: Understand the needs of the user through observation and research.
2. Define: Clearly articulate the problem or challenge to address.
3. Ideate: Brainstorm and explore a wide range of potential solutions.
4. Prototype: Build tangible representations of the most promising ideas.
5. Test: Experiment with prototypes to gather feedback and refine solutions.
Frameworks like Design Thinking are invaluable because they provide structure while remaining flexible. They guide teams toward solutions without dictating every step, leaving room for adaptation to specific contexts.
What is a Model?
A model is a simplified representation of a system, process, or phenomenon. Unlike frameworks, models aim to explain, describe, or predict complex realities by focusing on key elements and relationships.
How Models Fit Into Frameworks
In Design Thinking, models often serve as tools within the framework to represent or test ideas. For example:
• Empathy Maps are models used during the Empathize phase to visualize user behaviors, needs, and motivations.
• Customer Journey Models represent a user’s interactions with a product or service over time, helping to identify pain points and opportunities.
While frameworks provide the big picture, models focus on specific aspects, helping to simplify and communicate complex ideas.
What is a Method?
A method refers to a specific, systematic way of doing something. Methods are practical, step-by-step techniques that operate within frameworks and often leverage models to achieve results.
Methods in Action
In the Design Thinking Framework, different methods are used to implement tasks within each phase:
• During the Empathize phase, teams might conduct interviews or use observation techniques to gather insights.
• In the Ideate phase, brainstorming or mind mapping methods are used to generate creative ideas.
• The Prototype phase might involve rapid prototyping or A/B testing to refine solutions.
Methods are essential for action. They bring frameworks to life and help apply models in meaningful ways.
Design Thinking: A Case Study in Collaboration
Let’s revisit Design Thinking to see how frameworks, models, and methods work together:
1. The Framework: Organizes the process into five phases—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
2. The Models: Tools like empathy maps, user personas, and customer journey models simplify complex user insights.
3. The Methods: Techniques like interviews, brainstorming, and prototyping bring the framework to life and make models actionable.
By combining these elements, Design Thinking becomes a robust, adaptable approach to problem-solving.
So the next time you’re tackling a challenge, ask yourself: Are you working within a framework, using a model, or applying a method? With this clarity, you’ll set yourself—and your team—up for success.
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