Design Thinking: The Missing Link in Data-Driven Supply Chains

Supply chain leaders increasingly rely on data science to navigate disruptions, optimize operations and drive decisions. Yet data, like crude oil, holds no value unless refined into usable insights. Design thinking — a methodology centered on empathy, creativity and iterative problem-solving — offers a practical framework to transform raw data into effective, human-centered solutions.

For supply chain leaders, design thinking is more than a methodology; it’s a strategic tool. It helps address the inherent complexity of supply chains, aligning technological investments with operational realities and stakeholder needs. By emphasizing collaboration, human-centric design, and iterative solutions, design thinking bridges the gap between cutting-edge tools and their practical applications.

What Is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is a structured, five-step process aimed at solving problems with a focus on human needs:

• Empathize. Understand the frustrations, needs and challenges of stakeholders, whether they’re logistics teams, suppliers, or customers.
• Define. Clearly articulate the problem, based on insights from the empathize stage.
• Ideate. Brainstorm creative solutions, drawing on cross-func…