The popularity of design thinking has been on the rise, and for good reason. Design thinking is an iterative process that allows us to understand our users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions. It helps us observe and develop empathy with our target users. The process consists of five phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

The popularity of design thinking has been on the rise, and for good reason. Design thinking is an iterative process that allows us to understand our users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions. It helps us observe and develop empathy with our target users. The process consists of five phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

One of the key aspects of design thinking is the ability to avoid jumping immediately to a solution. Instead, designers take the time to think about human nature and observe things. They don't see the initial problem statement as a final statement but rather as a suggestion. By thinking broadly about the underlying issues, designers can get to the root causes of the problem. This is often done using techniques like the "Five Whys" approach.

Designers also resist the temptation to jump to a solution right away. They spend time determining the fundamental issue that needs to be addressed. This integration of what is desirable from a human point of view with what is technologically feasible and economically viable is what has allowed designers to create the products we enjoy today.

Tim Brown, a leading figure in design thinking, explains that it provides a third way to look at problems. As humans, we often rely on our assumptions and everyday knowledge to navigate through life. We build patterns of thinking to avoid having to learn everything from scratch. Design thinking challenges these assumptions and allows us to approach problems from a fresh perspective.

In the world of mobile apps, losing users is a common occurrence. New data shows that the average app loses a significant percentage of its daily active users (DAUs) within the first few days, weeks, and months. According to Quettra's data, the average app loses 77% of its DAUs within the first 3 days after installation. Within 30 days, it's lost 90% of DAUs, and within 90 days, it's over 95%.

So, what sets the best apps apart from the rest? It's all about activation within the first 3-7 days. The onboarding flow, how the product is described, and the triggers set up to drive ongoing retention play a crucial role in keeping users hooked. The top apps are immediately useful and are repeatedly used in the first week. The drop-off in usage happens at about the same speed as the average apps.

To bend the retention curve and keep users engaged, the focus should be on targeting the first few days of usage, especially the first visit. Simply bombarding users with spammy email notifications with subject lines like "We Miss You" is unlikely to make a significant impact. Instead, the emphasis should be on creating a seamless onboarding experience and providing value to users from the start.