The Double Diamond is a structured design process model developed by the UK Design Council (2005). It maps the design process as two successive diverge–converge movements, represented visually as two diamonds.
It is the primary design process framework in VCE Product Design and Technologies.
Diamond 1: Discover and Define
| Phase | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Discover (Diverge) | Research, observation, user interviews, market analysis, literature review | Open up the problem space; understand the real need or opportunity from multiple perspectives |
| Define (Converge) | Synthesise research; formulate design brief; define evaluation criteria | Narrow findings to a clear, specific problem statement and brief |
Diamond 2: Develop and Deliver
| Phase | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Develop (Diverge) | Ideation, sketching, concept generation, prototyping, testing | Generate and explore multiple possible solutions |
| Deliver (Converge) | Refine concepts; select final design; develop proof of concept; produce; evaluate | Narrow to the best solution and realise it |
Note: VCAA maps these four phases to: Investigate and Define / Generate and Design / Evaluate and Plan / Manage and Produce.
Critical thinking
- Analytical, evaluative, evidence-based
- Used in: evaluating research, critiquing existing products, assessing concepts against criteria
- Converging phases rely heavily on critical thinking
Creative thinking
- Generative, associative, imaginative, non-linear
- Used in: ideation, exploring unconventional solutions, generating multiple concepts
- Diverging phases rely heavily on creative thinking
Speculative thinking
- Future-focused, hypothetical, questioning assumptions
- Used in: imagining how products might change with emerging technologies; ‘what if’ scenarios; design fiction
- Particularly relevant in Unit 4 when examining future technologies
Investigate and Define (Diamond 1):
- Stakeholder research and user interviews
- Observation and empathy mapping
- Market and competitor analysis
- Sustainability research
- Synthesis into design brief with evaluation criteria
Generate and Design (Diamond 2 — Graphical):
- Sketching and ideation (thumbnails, roughs)
- Annotated design options
- Mood boards, material samples
- CAD modelling and rendering
- Evaluation of graphical concepts against criteria
Develop and Refine (Diamond 2 — Physical):
- Physical prototyping and mock-ups
- Material testing and trialling
- End-user feedback and testing
- Selection and justification of final concept
Plan and Manage:
- Scheduled production plan development
- Risk assessment
- Time and resource management
KEY TAKEAWAY: The Double Diamond provides a structured yet flexible framework for moving between exploration (diverge) and decision-making (converge). Both diamonds are essential — skipping the first means solving the wrong problem.
EXAM TIP: Know the name and purpose of each phase. Be able to explain what activities occur in each and what type of thinking is dominant. VCAA questions often ask about the ‘purpose’ of a specific phase or activity.
VCAA FOCUS: The Double Diamond is explicitly named in the study design. Use the term ‘Double Diamond’ in exam responses — do not just say ‘the design process.’
