Which of the following best defines "design thinking"?

Design thinking is best defined as a problem-solving approach that emphasizes user empathy. This approach is centered on understanding and addressing the needs, experiences, and emotions of users. It encourages designers and innovators to step into the user's shoes, gaining insights that guide the creation of solutions that are not only functional but also aligned with users' desires and challenges.

By integrating empathy into the design process, design thinking promotes a more holistic view of problem-solving, which often leads to innovative and effective solutions that may not emerge from traditional methods that focus solely on technical specifications or existing ideas. This human-centered aspect is crucial as it ensures that the products and services developed truly resonate with the target audience, enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.

The other options do not capture the essence of design thinking. Focusing only on functional requirements neglects the user experience, while testing existing concepts does not involve the iterative exploration and innovation central to design thinking. Streamlining project management addresses efficiency and organization rather than the user-centered focus that design thinking promotes.