Mastering the double diamond process

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the double diamond process and how it can be used effectively by extension practitioners to enhance on-farm innovation and impact. The double diamond is more than just a visual framework; it’s a guide to problem-solving that enables us, as enablers of change, to navigate complex challenges with clarity and purpose.

The double diamond process, developed by the Design Council in 2005, is built on four key phases: discover, define, develop, and deliver. These phases are represented by two diamonds that signify divergent and convergent thinking. The first diamond focuses on understanding the problem space by exploring widely before refining and defining the core issue. The second diamond transitions from developing to delivering, where ideas are developed and then tested before being finalised. This structured approach ensures we’re not jumping to solutions prematurely and helps us work in a way that’s both systematic and adaptable.

Source: Designorate

One of the strengths of the double diamond process is its emphasis on deep understanding in the discover phase. For extension practitioners, this means spending time with farmers and advisers, listening to their experiences, and understanding their needs and challenges. For instance, if we’re looking to introduce a new soil management practice, we shouldn’t start by assuming what farmers need. Instead, we should visit farms, talk to producers, observe their current methods, and gather data. We could talk to other people involved as well, like contractors and suppliers. This initial exploratory stage sets the foundation for defining a problem that reflects the actual needs, rather than an assumed issue.

Once we’ve gathered sufficient insights, we move into the define phase. This is where we synthesise our findings and narrow down the focus to a clear, actionable problem statement. For example, after speaking with various farmers, we might find that the challenge isn’t just about new soil techniques but about how to integrate these techniques into existing jobs on-farm without adding complexity. This helps us understand the core issue, and means we can be specific when exploring possible solutions.

The transition into the second diamond begins with the develop phase, where we explore solutions and encourage creative thinking. This phase is all about generating multiple ideas without immediate judgement. We might run workshops with farmers, farm advisers, and other stakeholders to co-develop potential solutions. Let’s say we’re still tackling the issue of integrating soil management practices. In the develop phase, we could explore options like workshops, peer-to-peer learning sessions, or even an app that shares best practices in real time. The goal here is to expand our thinking and consider all viable possibilities.

The deliver phase is where we test, refine, and implement our chosen solution. This phase aligns closely with piloting and highlights the importance of iterative learning. It’s where we put our solutions into practice on a manageable scale, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments. For instance, if we decide to trial an app for sharing soil management practices, we’d start with a small group of tech-savvy farmers. We’d monitor their engagement, collect feedback on usability, and adjust the app based on their input before rolling it out more broadly. This final stage ensures that what we deliver is practical, effective, and aligned with the needs of those who will use it.

The double diamond process isn’t linear, and it shouldn’t be. We might find ourselves revisiting the discover phase after testing a solution or redefining a problem once new information comes to light. This flexibility is critical for us as enablers of change because of the variability in weather patterns, market demands, and even policy. The double diamond encourages us to remain adaptable and responsive, which means the solutions we provide will be what’s actually required.

Source: Design Council 

To wrap up, the double diamond process is more than just a framework; it’s a mindset that helps us empathise, collaborate, and adapt. When we use this approach, we take deliberate steps to ensure that the solutions we help implement are useful to a range of farmers. The next time we’re faced with a complex problem in our extension work, let’s remember the double diamond process!

We’ve shared our journey through the double diamond process, and now it’s your turn to share! What have been your experiences with using this approach in your work? Whether you’ve tried it out or are considering incorporating it, we’d love to hear your stories, tips, and insights. Let’s turn this into a discussion where we can learn from each other.

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Resources

Design Council. (2005). The double diamond: A universally accepted depiction of the design process. Available online.