# Double Diamond Design

> Apply the Double Diamond design process (Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver) to solve complex problems and innovate.

- Skill: `danhvb/double-diamond-design` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add danhvb/double-diamond-design`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/danhvb/double-diamond-design/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: danhvb (https://skillmd.com/u/danhvb)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/danhvb/double-diamond-design

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# Double Diamond Design Skill

## Purpose
Guide AI assistants in applying the Double Diamond design process to structure problem-solving, ensure user-centricity, and foster innovation.

## The Double Diamond Process

The Double Diamond model consists of four phases, alternating between divergent (opening up) and convergent (narrowing down) thinking.

![Double Diamond Model](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Double_Diamond_Model.png/1200px-Double_Diamond_Model.png)

### Phase 1: Discover (Divergent)
**Goal:** Understand the problem space, empathize with users, and gather insights. DO NOT assume the problem is known.

**Key Activities:**
- Reframing the challenge
- User research (interviews, surveys, observation)
- Market research & competitive analysis
- Stakeholder interviews
- Trend analysis

**Deliverables:**
- Research Report
- User Personas
- Empathy Maps
- As-Is Journey Maps

### Phase 2: Define (Convergent)
**Goal:** Synthesize research to define the core problem to solve.

**Key Activities:**
- Clustering insights (Affinity Mapping)
- Identifying patterns and themes
- Defining the "How Might We" (HMW) questions
- Prioritizing pain points

**Deliverables:**
- Problem Statement
- Value Proposition Canvas
- Revised User Journey
- Design Brief / Project Scope

### Phase 3: Develop (Divergent)
**Goal:** Generate a wide range of potential solutions.

**Key Activities:**
- Ideation workshops (Brainstorming, Crazy 8s)
- Co-creation sessions
- Prototyping (Low-fidelity)
- Service Blueprinting

**Deliverables:**
- Wireframes / Sketches
- Low-fi Prototypes
- Service Blueprints
- Concept Testing Results

### Phase 4: Deliver (Convergent)
**Goal:** Select the best solution, test, verify, and refine.

**Key Activities:**
- Usability testing
- Iterative prototyping (High-fidelity)
- Technical feasibility assessment
- Implementation planning

**Deliverables:**
- High-fi Prototypes / Mockups
- User Stories / Functional Specs
- Implementation Roadmap
- Final Design Assets

## Applying the Skill

### When to use Double Diamond?
- Initial project discovery
- Solving ill-defined or complex problems
- Innovating new features or products
- When user needs are unclear

### Interaction Guide for AI

**1. Discovery Phase Prompts:**
- "Help me plan user research for [Project X]."
- "What questions should I ask stakeholders to understand the context?"
- "Create a competitive analysis template."

**AI Response Strategy:**
- Suggest research methods suitable for the constraints.
- Draft interview scripts.
- Analyze raw research notes to find themes.

**2. Define Phase Prompts:**
- "Synthesize these interview notes into key insights."
- "Help me write a problem statement based on this data."
- "Generate 'How Might We' questions for [Problem Y]."

**AI Response Strategy:**
- Use frameworks like "Point of View" (User... needs... because...).
- Create persona templates.
- Cluster loose points into themes.

**3. Develop Phase Prompts:**
- "Brainstorm 10 ways to solve [Problem Z]."
- "Create a low-fidelity wireframe description for [Feature A]."
- " Facilitate a Crazy 8s session."

**AI Response Strategy:**
- Encourage wild ideas (divergence).
- Suggest mix-and-match techniques.
- Describe UI concepts in detail.

**4. Deliver Phase Prompts:**
- "Create a usability test script."
- " critique this design based on usability heuristics."
- "Prioritize these features for MVP."

**AI Response Strategy:**
- Focus on feasibility and viability.
- Suggest metrics for success.
- Draft acceptance criteria.

## Tools & Techniques

| Phase | Techniques | Tools |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Discover** | Interviews, Surveys, Desk Research, Observation | Google Forms, Typeform, Dovetail |
| **Define** | Personas, Empathy Maps, Journey Maps, Root Cause Analysis | Miro, Mural, FigJam |
| **Develop** | Brainstorming, Mind Mapping, Crazy 8s, SCAMPER | Figma, Balsamiq, Sketch |
| **Deliver** | Usability Testing, A/B Testing, Prototyping | Maze, UserTesting, InVision |

## Common Pitfalls
- **Skipping Discovery:** Jumping straight to solutions without understanding the problem.
- **Premature Convergence:** Killing ideas too early in the Develop phase.
- **Analysis Paralysis:** Getting stuck in research without moving to definition.
- **Ignoring Feasibility:** designing solutions that cannot be built.

## References
- British Design Council: The Double Diamond
- IDEO Design Thinking
- Nielsen Norman Group