Double Diamond
The Double Diamond is a design process framework that maps design innovation across four alternating divergent and convergent phases.
Developed by the British Design Council in 2005, it divides problem solving into two diamonds. The first diamond finds the right problem, and the second diamond finds the right solution.
How it works
Discover explores user problems with an open mind. Define focuses research findings into a clear problem statement. Develop explores multiple possible solutions through prototyping. Deliver tests, refines, and ships the winning solution.
When to use it
Use it as a team roadmap for product discovery initiatives, new feature explorations, and large design transformation projects.
Common mistakes
Jumping straight to building solutions in the second diamond without spending enough time understanding the real user problem in the first diamond.
Key takeaways
- Alternates between exploring possibilities and making focused decisions.
- Ensures the team solves the right problem before solving it right.
- Provides a shared vocabulary across product, design, and engineering.
Learn this
Lessons and exercises mapped to this concept.
Common questions
- Is the Double Diamond a strictly linear waterfall process?
- No. Teams frequently loop back to Discover or Develop as new findings emerge during user testing or technical feasibility reviews.