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# Design Thinking

Design Thinking coaching identity, quality constraints, and methodology instructions for AI-enhanced design thinking across nine methods

> **🔍 Preview** — This collection is in preview. Core features are complete and functional but refinements may follow.

## Overview

Coaching identity, quality constraints, and methodology instructions for AI-enhanced design thinking across nine methods. The collection supports the HVE Design Thinking pyramid structure spanning Problem, Solution, and Implementation spaces.

> **Preview** — Core features are complete and functional. Suitable for adoption with the understanding that refinements may follow.

This collection includes agents, prompts, and instructions for:

- **DT Start Project** — Initializes a new Design Thinking coaching project with state file creation, frozen/fluid classification, and first Method 1 coaching interaction
- **DT Resume Coaching** — Resumes an existing coaching session from saved state, restoring context from the project's coaching state file
- **DT Method Next** — Assesses current coaching state and recommends the next method with sequencing validation, handling edge cases for no project, all methods complete, and iteration loops
- **DT Handoff Implementation Space** — Implementation Space exit handoff that compiles DT Methods 7-9 outputs into an RPI-ready artifact with tiered routing to task-planner or task-implementor, handoff lineage from all nine methods, content sanitization, and a completion ceremony
- **DT Handoff Problem Space** — Problem Space exit handoff that compiles DT Methods 1-3 outputs into an RPI-ready artifact targeting task-researcher, with readiness assessment and quality markers
- **DT Method 4: Ideation** — Divergent idea generation with constraint-informed creativity for Method 4b brainstorming
- **DT Method 4: Convergence** — Theme discovery through philosophy-based clustering for Method 4c brainstorming
- **DT Method 5: Concepts** — Concept articulation from brainstorming themes for Method 5b user concepts
- **DT Method 5: Evaluation** — Stakeholder alignment and three-lens evaluation for Method 5c user concepts
- **DT Method 6: Planning** — Concept analysis and prototype approach design for Method 6a lo-fi prototyping
- **DT Method 6: Building** — Scrappy prototype building with fidelity enforcement for Method 6b
- **DT Method 6: Testing** — Hypothesis-driven testing and constraint validation for Method 6c
- **DT Coaching Identity** — Defines the coach's interaction philosophy (Think, Speak, Empower), progressive hint engine, psychological safety patterns, and hat-switching framework for consistent behavior across all nine methods
- **DT Coach**: Conversational coaching agent that guides teams through all 9 methods with Think/Speak/Empower philosophy
- **DT Coaching State** — Session persistence schema, method progress tracking, and session recovery protocol enabling the coach to resume seamlessly across conversations
- **DT Method Sequencing** — Governs the nine-method sequence across three spaces, space boundary transition protocols with readiness signals, non-linear iteration patterns, method routing logic, and coaching state tracking
- **DT Quality Constraints** — Quality constraints, fidelity rules, and output standards for Design Thinking coaching across all nine methods
- **DT Method 01: Scope Conversations** — Frozen vs fluid assessment, stakeholder discovery, constraint patterns, and conversation navigation for transforming initial customer requests into genuine understanding of business challenges
- **DT Method 01 Deep** — Advanced stakeholder analysis, power dynamics, and scope negotiation expertise loaded on-demand for complex Method 1 coaching scenarios
- **DT Method 02: Design Research** — Interview techniques, research planning, environmental observation, and insight extraction patterns for systematic discovery of end-user needs through direct engagement across three phases: planning, execution, and documentation
- **DT Method 02 Deep: Advanced Design Research** — On-demand deep reference covering advanced interview techniques, ethnographic observation methods, evidence triangulation, and manufacturing research patterns; loaded by the coach for complex research scenarios requiring specialist guidance
- **DT Method 03: Input Synthesis** — Pattern recognition, theme development, synthesis validation, and Problem-to-Solution Space transition readiness for transforming fragmented research data into unified problem understanding
- **DT Method 03 Deep** — Advanced affinity analysis with multi-pass clustering, insight frameworks with observation-inference-insight formula, HMW question scaffolding, problem statement articulation, and manufacturing synthesis patterns
- **DT Method 04 Deep: Advanced Brainstorming Techniques** — Advanced facilitation techniques (brainwriting, morphological analysis, provocation), creative block recovery, convergence frameworks (impact/effort matrix, weighted D/F/V scoring), and cross-pollination from analogous industries loaded on-demand for complex Method 4 coaching scenarios
- **DT Industry: Healthcare** — Healthcare-specific vocabulary mapping, constraints (HIPAA, patient safety, clinical workflow), empathy tools (patient journey mapping, clinician shadow), and an ED wait-time reference scenario for on-demand industry context loading
- **DT→RPI Handoff Contract** — Exit-point definitions, artifact schemas, per-agent input contracts, graduation awareness behavior, and quality markers for lateral transitions from Design Thinking coaching into the RPI workflow
- **DT RPI Implementation Context** — DT-aware task-implementor augmentation that enforces space-appropriate fidelity constraints, stakeholder validation against handoff maps, confidence-marker handling, and return path triggers when operating on DT artifacts
- **DT RPI Planning Context** — DT-aware task-planner augmentation that shapes implementation planning around fidelity constraints, iteration support, confidence-informed risk assessment, and stakeholder-segmented success criteria when operating on DT artifacts
- **DT RPI Research Context** — DT-aware task-researcher augmentation that frames research around stakeholder needs, quality-marked findings, assumption validation, and return path triggers when operating on DT artifacts
- **DT RPI Review Context** — DT-aware task-reviewer augmentation that defines quality criteria per artifact type (coaching, method, deep, industry, handoff, agent, output), review checklist additions for coaching tone and fidelity enforcement, anti-patterns to flag, and severity mapping for Design Thinking artifacts
- **DT Method 07: High-Fidelity Prototypes** — Technical translation, functional prototypes, and specifications for Implementation Space entry with three-hat architecture and progressive fidelity modeling
- **DT Method 07: Deep Expertise** — On-demand fidelity translation, architecture trade-off analysis, specification writing patterns, and manufacturing-specific prototyping guidance for complex Method 7 coaching scenarios
- **DT Method 08: User Testing** — Evidence-based evaluation, test protocols, and non-linear iteration support for structured user testing of hi-fi prototypes with leap-enabling questioning and loop decision coaching
- **DT Method 08 Deep** — Advanced test design, small-sample analysis, iteration triggers, and bias mitigation expertise loaded on-demand for complex Method 8 coaching scenarios
- **DT Method 09: Iteration at Scale** — Continuous optimization through telemetry-driven enhancement, systematic refinement cycles, and organizational deployment planning covering change management, training, and adoption metrics
- **DT Method 09 Deep** — Advanced organizational change management (ADKAR framework), scaling patterns, adoption measurement systems, scaling anti-patterns, and manufacturing deployment strategies loaded on-demand for complex Method 9 coaching scenarios
- **DT Industry: Manufacturing** — On-demand industry context providing manufacturing vocabulary mapping, operational constraints (safety culture, shift patterns, union dynamics), empathy tools (gemba walk, shift-handoff observation, operator shadow), and a reference scenario for contextualizing Design Thinking coaching in manufacturing environments
- **DT Industry: Energy** — On-demand energy-sector context providing vocabulary mapping (NERC/FERC/SCADA terminology), critical infrastructure constraints (regulatory weight, long asset lifecycles, security classification), empathy tools (control room observation, field ride-along, regulatory timeline mapping), and a renewable integration reference scenario
- **DT Curriculum Module 1: Scope Conversations** — Key concepts (frozen vs fluid requests, stakeholder mapping, constraint discovery), progressive questioning techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 1
- **DT Curriculum Module 2: Design Research** — Key concepts (genuine need discovery, environmental context, universal discovery sequence), contextual inquiry techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 2
- **DT Curriculum Module 3: Synthesis** — Key concepts (multi-source pattern recognition, theme development, context preservation), affinity clustering techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 3
- **DT Curriculum Module 4: Brainstorming** — Key concepts (divergent vs convergent phases, constraint-driven creativity, philosophy-based clustering), AI spring-boarding techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 4
- **DT Curriculum Module 5: User Concepts** — Key concepts (minimum viable visuals, understanding speed, interaction vs value concepts), stick figure approach and silent review techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 5
- **DT Curriculum Module 6: Low-Fidelity Prototypes** — Key concepts (scrappy principle, instant failure as instant win, single-assumption testing), simple material prototyping techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 6
- **DT Curriculum Module 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes** — Key concepts (technical feasibility validation, stripped-down functional focus, multiple implementation comparison), hardware and integration testing techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 7
- **DT Curriculum Module 8: User Testing** — Key concepts (leap-enabling vs leap-killing questions, non-linear iteration loops, behavior over opinions), task-based testing techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 8
- **DT Curriculum Module 9: Iteration at Scale** — Key concepts (telemetry-driven enhancement, high-frequency pattern focus, incremental enhancement), production telemetry techniques, comprehension checks, and manufacturing practice exercises for teaching Method 9
- **DT Curriculum Scenario: Manufacturing** — Factory floor improvement reference scenario (Meridian Components) with interview excerpts, observation data points, and test results used across all 9 curriculum modules for progressive learning exercises

## Install

```bash
copilot plugin install design-thinking@hve-core
```

## Agents

| Agent             | Description                                                                                                                                       |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| dt-coach          | Design Thinking coach guiding teams through the 9-method HVE framework with Think/Speak/Empower philosophy - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core |
| dt-learning-tutor | Design Thinking learning tutor providing structured curriculum, comprehension checks, and adaptive pacing - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core  |

## Commands

| Command                         | Description                                                                                                                                  |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| dt-start-project                | Start a new Design Thinking coaching project with state initialization and first coaching interaction - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core |
| dt-resume-coaching              | Resume a Design Thinking coaching session — reads coaching state and re-establishes context - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core           |
| dt-method-next                  | Assess DT project state and recommend next method with sequencing validation - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core                          |
| dt-handoff-implementation-space | Compiles DT Methods 7-9 outputs into an RPI-ready handoff artifact targeting Task Researcher                                                 |
| dt-handoff-problem-space        | Problem Space exit handoff — compiles DT Methods 1-3 outputs into an RPI-ready artifact targeting Task Researcher                            |
| dt-handoff-solution-space       | Solution Space exit handoff — compiles DT Methods 4-6 outputs into an RPI-ready artifact targeting Task Researcher                           |
| dt-method-04-ideation           | Divergent ideation for Design Thinking Method 4b with constraint-informed solution generation - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core         |
| dt-method-04-convergence        | Theme discovery for Design Thinking Method 4c through philosophy-based clustering - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core                     |
| dt-method-05-concepts           | Concept articulation for Design Thinking Method 5b from brainstorming themes - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core                          |
| dt-method-05-evaluation         | Stakeholder alignment and three-lens evaluation for Design Thinking Method 5c - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core                         |
| dt-method-06-planning           | Concept analysis and prototype approach design for Design Thinking Method 6a - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core                          |
| dt-method-06-building           | Scrappy prototype building with fidelity enforcement for Design Thinking Method 6b - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core                    |
| dt-method-06-testing            | Hypothesis-driven testing and constraint validation for Design Thinking Method 6c - Brought to you by microsoft/hve-core                     |

## Instructions

| Instruction                                       | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| dt-coaching-identity.instructions                 | Required instructions when working with or doing any Design Thinking (DT); Contains instructions for the Design Thinking coach identity, philosophy, and user interaction and communication requirements for consistent coaching behavior.                  |
| dt-method-07-hifi-prototypes.instructions         | Design Thinking Method 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes; technical translation, functional prototypes, and specifications                                                                                                                                        |
| dt-method-07-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes; fidelity translation, architecture, and specification writing                                                                                                                                        |
| dt-method-08-testing.instructions                 | Design Thinking Method 8: User Testing - evidence-based evaluation, test protocols, and non-linear iteration support                                                                                                                                        |
| dt-method-sequencing.instructions                 | Method transition rules, nine-method sequence, space boundaries, and non-linear iteration support for Design Thinking coaching                                                                                                                              |
| dt-quality-constraints.instructions               | Quality constraints, fidelity rules, and output standards for Design Thinking coaching across all nine methods                                                                                                                                              |
| dt-coaching-state.instructions                    | Coaching state schema for Design Thinking session persistence, method progress tracking, and session recovery                                                                                                                                               |
| dt-industry-healthcare.instructions               | Healthcare industry context for DT coaching — vocabulary, constraints, empathy tools, and reference scenarios                                                                                                                                               |
| dt-rpi-handoff-contract.instructions              | DT-to-RPI handoff contract defining exit points, artifact schemas, and per-agent input requirements for lateral transitions from Design Thinking to RPI workflow                                                                                            |
| dt-subagent-handoff.instructions                  | DT subagent handoff workflow: readiness assessment, artifact compilation, and handoff validation via subagent dispatch                                                                                                                                      |
| dt-rpi-implement-context.instructions             | DT-aware Task Implementor context: fidelity constraints, stakeholder validation, and iteration support                                                                                                                                                      |
| dt-rpi-planning-context.instructions              | DT-aware Task Planner context: fidelity constraints, iteration support, and confidence-informed planning for DT artifacts                                                                                                                                   |
| dt-rpi-research-context.instructions              | DT-aware Task Researcher context: frames research around DT methods, stakeholder needs, and empathy-driven inquiry                                                                                                                                          |
| dt-rpi-review-context.instructions                | DT-aware Task Reviewer context: quality criteria for Design Thinking artifacts                                                                                                                                                                              |
| dt-method-01-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 1: Scope Conversations, covering advanced stakeholder analysis, power dynamics, and scope negotiation                                                                                                                             |
| dt-method-01-scope.instructions                   | Method 1 Scope Conversations coaching knowledge for Design Thinking: frozen vs fluid assessment, stakeholder discovery, constraint patterns, and conversation navigation                                                                                    |
| dt-method-03-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 3: Input Synthesis — advanced affinity analysis, insight frameworks, and problem statement articulation                                                                                                                           |
| dt-method-04-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 4: Brainstorming — advanced facilitation techniques, creative block recovery, and convergence frameworks                                                                                                                          |
| dt-method-05-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 5: User Concepts, covering advanced D/F/V analysis, image prompt crafting, concept stress-testing, and portfolio management                                                                                                       |
| dt-method-02-research.instructions                | Method 2 Design Research coaching knowledge: interview techniques, research planning, environmental observation, and insight extraction patterns                                                                                                            |
| dt-method-02-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 2: Design Research, covering advanced interview techniques, ethnographic observation, and evidence triangulation                                                                                                                  |
| dt-method-03-synthesis.instructions               | Method 3 Input Synthesis coaching knowledge: pattern recognition, theme development, synthesis validation, and Problem-to-Solution Space transition readiness                                                                                               |
| dt-method-08-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 8: Test and Validate — advanced test design, small-sample analysis, iteration triggers, and bias mitigation                                                                                                                       |
| dt-method-09-iteration.instructions               | Design Thinking Method 9: Iteration at Scale — systematic refinement, scaling patterns, and organizational deployment                                                                                                                                       |
| dt-method-09-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 9: Iteration at Scale — change management, scaling, and adoption measurement                                                                                                                                                      |
| dt-method-06-deep.instructions                    | Deep expertise for Method 6: Low-Fidelity Prototypes; advanced paper prototyping, service blueprinting, and experience prototyping                                                                                                                          |
| dt-industry-manufacturing.instructions            | Manufacturing industry context for DT coaching — vocabulary, constraints, empathy tools, and reference scenarios                                                                                                                                            |
| dt-industry-energy.instructions                   | Energy industry context for DT coaching — vocabulary, constraints, empathy tools, and reference scenarios                                                                                                                                                   |
| dt-image-prompt-generation.instructions           | M365 Copilot image prompt generation techniques for Design Thinking Method 5 concept visualization with lo-fi enforcement                                                                                                                                   |
| dt-method-04-brainstorming.instructions           | Design Thinking Method 4: AI-assisted brainstorming with divergent ideation and convergent clustering for solution space entry                                                                                                                              |
| dt-method-05-concepts.instructions                | Design Thinking Method 5: User Concepts coaching with concept articulation, three-lens evaluation, and stakeholder alignment for Solution Space development                                                                                                 |
| dt-method-06-lofi-prototypes.instructions         | Design Thinking Method 6: Lo-fi prototyping techniques, scrappy enforcement, feedback planning, and constraint discovery for Solution Space exit                                                                                                            |
| dt-curriculum-01-scoping.instructions             | DT Curriculum Module 1: Scope Conversations — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                                   |
| dt-curriculum-02-research.instructions            | DT Curriculum Module 2: Design Research — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                                       |
| dt-curriculum-03-synthesis.instructions           | DT Curriculum Module 3: Synthesis — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                                             |
| dt-curriculum-04-brainstorming.instructions       | DT Curriculum Module 4: Brainstorming — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                                         |
| dt-curriculum-05-concepts.instructions            | DT Curriculum Module 5: User Concepts — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                                         |
| dt-curriculum-06-prototypes.instructions          | DT Curriculum Module 6: Low-Fidelity Prototypes — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                               |
| dt-curriculum-07-testing.instructions             | DT Curriculum Module 7: High-Fidelity Prototypes — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                              |
| dt-curriculum-08-iteration.instructions           | DT Curriculum Module 8: User Testing — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                                          |
| dt-curriculum-09-handoff.instructions             | DT Curriculum Module 9: Iteration at Scale — concepts, techniques, checks, and exercises                                                                                                                                                                    |
| dt-curriculum-scenario-manufacturing.instructions | Manufacturing reference scenario for DT learning — factory floor improvement project used across all 9 curriculum modules                                                                                                                                   |
| hve-core-location.instructions                    | Important: hve-core is the repository containing this instruction file; Guidance: if a referenced prompt, instructions, agent, or script is missing in the current directory, fall back to this hve-core location by walking up this file's directory tree. |

---

> Source: [microsoft/hve-core](https://github.com/microsoft/hve-core)

