Define design thinking in your own words. How does it prioritize user needs in problem-solving? Provide a brief example of how design thinking could be applied to improve a common everyday object.

Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes understanding the needs and experiences of users. It involves a iterative process of empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing, aiming to create innovative solutions that resonate with the people who will ultimately use them. In prioritizing user needs, design thinking encourages deep engagement with users through observations, interviews, and feedback. By focusing on real experiences and emotions, designers can identify pain points and desires, which guide the development of solutions that are not only functional but also meaningful and appealing to those users. **Example:** Consider improving a common everyday object like the shopping cart. 1. **Empathize:** Conduct interviews and observe shoppers in grocery stores to understand their experiences, frustrations, and needs when using shopping carts. 2. **Define:** Identify key issues, such as difficulty maneuvering in crowded aisles, inadequate storage for smaller items, or poor accessibility for people with disabilities. 3. **Ideate:** Brainstorm innovative features that could address these challenges, such as a lightweight design for easier handling, various sized sections for organization, or adjustable handles for users of different heights. 4. **Prototype:** Create a scaled model or simple version of the redesigned shopping cart with the new features. 5. **Test:** Allow users to try out the prototype in a real shopping environment and gather feedback to refine the design further. Through this process, the end result would be a shopping cart that better meets the diverse needs of shoppers, improving their overall shopping experience.