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The three lenses of human centred design: desirability, feasibility, viability

The PLAYBOOK

‘Desirability, Feasibility, Viability’ is one of 30 techniques included in our PLAYBOOK, the free toolkit for creative thinkers.

WHAT ARE THE THREE LENSES OF HUMAN CENTRED DESIGN?

This technique is an effective method to evaluate the potential of ideas. The concept was originally developed by IDEO as the three lenses of human centred design: desirability, feasibility, viability.

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Seek the innovation sweet spot

HOW TO USE IT?

The three lenses shine a light on the success potential of any innovation. Check your ideas against these to weed out the chaff or to identify areas to develop further.

 

The technique suggests that innovations can only be successful if three conditions are met: someone wants it (desirability), you can deliver it (feasibility) and it makes economic sense (viability). Test all your ideas through these three lenses to evaluate their potential.

 

You can download the worksheet below.

Desirability Feasibility Viability venn diagram
Desirability, Feasibility & Viability diagram

1 – Desirability:

Is your idea needed or wanted?

Does it resolve their problems?

Does the intended audience see its value?

2 – Feasibility:

Do you have the know how, skills, resources and technology to deliver?

How realistically can you make it happen?

3 – Viability:

Does the business case stack-up?

Is it commercially or economically beneficial?

Is the business model sustainable?

ENDS

DOWNLOAD WORKSHEETS

The worksheet is included in our free PLAYBOOK, a collection of 30 of our favourite tools and techniques. Download them all now in the PLAYBOOK.

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