To become a Jedi in Design Thinking, one should not only understand the science and process, but also the pitfalls. Once you have understood the pitfalls you will know how to avoid them.

Be mindful of the whole ecosystem
You may solve one user’s problem only to create new problems for other users. Don’t become so singularly focused on your user that you forget the context in which their challenges exist.

Carry your best ideas to completion
Making an impact may require more than launched prototypes as the end result. People have written hundreds of unfinished songs – you’ve never heard them. There are hundreds of unfinished ideas too. You can’t carry all your ideas through, so at least carry through the best ideas.

Deviate from the recipe
What you seek is more elusive than a linear, step-by-step process, leading to stagnant and diluted creativity. A framework is important and useful. Creativity loves constraints, but don’t feel like you have to follow every step, every time, in the same sequence. Creativity cannot be conjured up. Dont be afraid to break the rules.

Don’t neglect vision
Balance opportunities based on user insights (current needs) with leader’s foresight (anticipated future). Give space for your own intuition as a designer and as a leader in your own space.

In a nutshell: