Integrating the Six Thinking Hats into the Dual Role of a Senior Product Designer & PM
In my role within the digital health sector, I've often found myself at the intersection of design and product management. Working closely with healthcare professionals (HCPs) has added another layer of complexity and responsibility to my tasks. To navigate this multifaceted role, my CTIO recommended me to Dr. Edward de Bono's "Six Thinking Hats" method, which has been instrumental in shaping my approach.
1. White Hat: Data-Driven Decisions
Design Perspective: I always begin by diving deep into user feedback, especially from HCPs. What are their experiences with the current digital tools? Where are the gaps in user experience?
PM Perspective: I also immerse myself in market trends, competitor benchmarks, and the broader landscape of digital health. What are the emerging technologies or methodologies that could be integrated?
2. Red Hat: Trusting My Instincts
Design Perspective: Over the years, I've developed a keen sense of design intuition. Sometimes, it's a gut feeling about a particular user interface element or a workflow that might resonate with HCPs.
PM Perspective: Similarly, there are moments when I sense a shift in the digital health landscape, even if it's not yet reflected in the data. It's about reading between the lines and anticipating future needs.
3. Black Hat: Risk Assessment
Design Perspective: In digital health, the stakes are high. I always ask myself: What could go wrong with a design change? Are there potential issues with data integrity or user trust?
PM Perspective: From a management standpoint, I consider the broader implications. Are there regulatory challenges? How would a change impact our position in the market?
4. Yellow Hat: Optimism in Action
Design Perspective: Every design tweak brings potential. I envision how a redesigned feature could enhance the experience for HCPs, making their tasks more streamlined and efficient.
PM Perspective: On the product side, I think about the broader benefits. Could a new feature position us as pioneers in the market? Might it lead to partnerships or collaborations?
5. Green Hat: Creative Exploration
Design Perspective: This is where I let my creativity run wild. I brainstorm, sketch, and prototype, always with the goal of innovating for the betterment of HCPs' digital experience.
PM Perspective: I also brainstorm unique strategies for product deployment, thinking of ways we can stand out in the crowded digital health space.
6. Blue Hat: Steering the Ship
Design Perspective: I map out the design journey, setting clear milestones. Collaborating with HCPs, I ensure that the design aligns with their needs and expectations.
PM Perspective: I lay out the product roadmap, ensuring that all stakeholders, especially HCPs, are aligned with our vision and direction.
Conclusion
My journey in digital health, wearing the dual hats of a Senior Product Designer and PM, has been both challenging and rewarding. The Six Thinking Hats method has been supporting compass, guiding me to balance creativity with practicality, intuition with data, and risks with rewards. As I continue to shape digital solutions for HCPs, I'm confident that this structured approach will lead to meaningful and impactful innovations.
