KANWAL RAI

The products and services have been every increasing in terms of numbers and forms. It is unstoppable chain of efforts when it comes to the journey of solving a problem. Why can not one design one ideal solution for a specific problem, that remains the best forever? Why keep designing new products and services for solving the same problem? Why can’t we visualize and think about the ideal solution as the final result or outcome and develop the ideal solution once for all? Is this an ideality ? Can this ideality be reality? If not, why and if yes when and how? Irrespective of those questions as mentioned, let us firs look into what is design thinking. It is thinking like a designer to solve a problem. It is about going to the person in pain and understand how this pain can be eliminated through a product or a service. Understand why this pain needs an attention and why this is worth a problem to be solved. Before working on designing a solution as a product or service, one needs to really understand the pain and problem and why it is significant enough to be addressed with time, money and resources. This much before even the product is designed. If we can not first learn to understand and appreciate the problem and pain and the people who are facing this, we can not succeed in designing a solution. We will create some solution but we will not be able to create the solution, as an impact that the end users are seeking. There is a need for having a process, to immerse in their problems. Designers need to collaborate with the stakeholders starting with the person in pain or people in problem. They need to understand their ecosystem and challenges. When the problem is being understood and their pain is being felt, the boundary of solution and what to expect minimum from such a solution evolves or rather starts emerging. The attributes of the solution or the criteria on which the solution could be called as a fit gets clearly articulated. These are solely from the perspective of the people facing the problem who will be buying these solutions from the market when they arrive. They will judge them whether they fit their needs and expectations of being a solution or not. Design thinking is a mindset for first to be focused on the people and their pains and problems from their perspective.  Design thinking is a problem solving mindset. It leverages designer’s sensibilities to continually understand people’s needs, expectations,  pains and problems in order to bring out solutions (products and/or services) that are feasible (solves the problems and fit the set of expectations (needs and desires of an individual in pain or facing the problem) such that these solutions can be converted into marketing opportunity. After why is established (i.e. if you have weighed the decision that you want to address those problems or they fall under your areas of interest and focus of providing value), it is then about how to move systematically and iteratively (continually) as a “solution designing or problem solving process” from the people who want or need the solutions  to the solutions that people want or need. Design thinking is human centered approach to problem solving. It is iterative, collaborative and practical. The people (market) in pain (need) and people (who want to design and/or sell solution) in gain (profits), are always working together whether its dry or rain (irrespective of the market environment and inherent challenges). It is about being hands on. It is always about looking from the perspective of customers (people in pain). Every decision in the process of solving a problem, if customer centric. It improves the internal processes for designing, producing and selling the solution. Design thinking origins as back 1950s and 1960s. In those days it was mostly about the impact of the World War II in terms of application of new knowledge and strategic thinking to industrial design, production and management of operations. It is always an human effort in the realm of creative thinking to make this thinking (about designing a system that solves a problem) as a systematic process or approach i.e. more and more scientific and predictable.  However it is unreasonable to say all problems can be solved at any given point in time. To solve a problem, one might need resources to exist so that a system designer can put them together to work in a particular and consistently repeated manner i.e. imposed by a design construct (arrived after multiple rounds of experimentation or cycles of learning-thinking-doing-reflecting).  Experimentation and its outcome can be planned predictably. There are certain things in the process of designing a system or solution that needs learning through a discovery, that needs one to first carry or try out an experiment and then see if this works or fails to deliver the intended outcome. If the experiments yield unexpected outcomes, these data points and observations are then once again pushed to the design table to re-think and attempt a new design to be prototyped and validated. Irrespective of the problem or industry domain, such a process of innovation or problem solving, that deals with new resources or new designs, needs experiments to be carried out as a part of the learning through discovery phases. It takes time and remains uncertain in terms of  putting a closure date to this. The only way to make things move faster at this stage (crashing the fuzzy end of the innovation process) , is to do as many well defined experiments and as quickly as possible.  Not all problems need experimentation and also many times, if right resources are missing or non-existent (lets say yet to be invented or not accessible) or if there  are resources available (already invented or discovered) then the real challenge is perhaps purely to “somehow” figure out the solution by designing or architecting a system using these resources

What is a balanced diet? It must contain  Vitamins, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Minerals, Fiber and Fat (VPCMFF) in a correct proportion. It should have a diversity in VPCMFF components to promote good health. Eating healthy is above ease and health else its about disease and death. Lack of consumption of right food ingredients (nutrients from right sources) negatively impacts the metabolic function of the body (accumulates toxins within the body leading to chronic illness in the long run). With age, gender and body size, the consumption of right ingredients (sourced from right food sources) on a daily basis is a necessity to survive. One has to also make it interesting in life.  For adults, the daily caloric needs vary based on the level of physical activity undertaken. This ranges from 2400 to 3900 calories, with lighter activities requiring fewer calories and more strenuous work demanding higher intake. These caloric requirements are necessary to sustain bodily functions, energy levels, and overall health. In terms of essential nutrients, adults require an intake of approximately 50 grams of protein daily. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and various physiological functions. Adequate protein intake is particularly important for those engaged in physical labor or exercise. Iron is another vital nutrient, with a recommended daily intake of around 20 milligrams. Iron plays a critical role in oxygen transport within the blood and overall cellular function. Including iron-rich foods in the diet, such as lean meats, legumes, and fortified cereals, helps meet this requirement.  Calcium, essential for bone health and various bodily processes, is needed at a daily intake of around 0.5 grams. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are good sources of calcium.  A balanced diet incorporates a variety of food groups to ensure optimal nutrition. This includes: Green Leaf Vegetables (240 grams): Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, these vegetables provide essential nutrients for overall health. Leafy vegetables are highly nutritious and beneficial for your health due to their vitamins, minerals, and fiber content. Including a variety of leafy greens in your diet can contribute to overall well-being. As a general guideline, aiming to consume around 2 to 3 cups of leafy greens per day is recommended. Sugar (30 grams): While moderation is key, small amounts of sugar can provide quick energy. Natural sources like fruits are preferable. There is no strict limit for natural sugars found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, as they come packaged with beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These natural sources of sugar are generally considered healthy and safe to consume as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s still important to be mindful of your overall carbohydrate intake, including natural sugars, especially if you have specific dietary goals or health conditions such as diabetes. Listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and choosing a variety of nutrient-dense foods will naturally guide you in managing your sugar intake. Milk & Curd  (120 ml): A source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, milk supports bone health and overall nutrition. For adults, consuming around 2 to 3 servings of dairy products per day is often recommended. A serving of milk is typically considered to be 1 cup (240 ml). This can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, and overall calorie needs. It’s important to choose low-fat or non-fat milk options to reduce saturated fat intake. Curd or yogurt is a nutritious dairy product that provides probiotics (beneficial bacteria), protein, and calcium. Including yogurt in your diet can be beneficial. A typical serving of yogurt is around 1 cup (240 ml). Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars. Keeping both the consumption within 120 ml is perhaps staying moderately controlled on its requirement.  Non-Leaf Vegetables (150 grams): Including a mix of colorful vegetables provides an array of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and well-being. These vegetables come in a wide range of colors, each offering unique nutrients and health benefits. The recommended daily intake of non-leafy vegetables can vary based on dietary guidelines and individual needs. However, a general guideline is to aim for at least 2 to 3 servings of non-leafy vegetables per day. A serving size is typically considered to be about 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked vegetables or 1 cup of raw vegetables. Staying within a limit of 150 grams on an average, will keep the diet balanced. Fat and Oil (Total Fat 40-50 grams): Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are important for various bodily functions. Dietary fat is an important macronutrient that provides energy, supports cell function, and helps the body absorb certain vitamins. However, it’s also essential to consume fats in moderation and choose healthy sources. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that for a 2,000-calorie daily diet, most adults should aim for:  Total Fat: 25-35% of total daily calories, which translates to about 44 to 77 grams of fat per day. Saturated Fat: Less than 6% of total daily calories, which is around 13 grams per day. Trans Fat: As minimal as possible, ideally avoiding altogether. It’s important to focus on the quality of fats. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts) and polyunsaturated fats (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), have positive effects on heart health and overall well-being. These fats can be a part of a balanced diet. Limiting saturated and trans fats is crucial for heart health. These fats are often found in processed and fried foods, baked goods, and some animal products. Instead, choose lean protein sources and incorporate healthy fats into your diet in moderation. Rice (270 grams) and Millet (90 grams): Carbohydrates from whole grains like rice and millet provide sustained energy for daily activities. The appropriate amount of rice to consume in a day depends on various factors, including your overall dietary goals, energy expenditure, and individual nutritional needs. In a balanced diet, carbohydrates from sources like rice provide energy and nutrients, but portion control is essential to maintain a healthy intake. As a general guideline,