Design Thinking: Ordinary Habit

(Image courtesy of Ordinary Habit. Image depicts the Jungle Hike Puzzle by Sara Boccaccini Meadows COLLECTION NO. 3. This puzzle is described as, " Transport yourself to this luscious jungle scene by Sara Boccaccini Meadows. A lush natural scene makes for calming content that’s challenging to complete. You’ll have a blast uncovering the detail amidst the greenery and bringing it all to life." Price=$48. You can order this puzzle at https://ordinaryhabit.com/collections/all-products/products/jungle-hike-by-sara-boccaccini-meadows )

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different fashion and lifestyle companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking into their market offerings. I had the opportunity to talk with Echo Hopkins, the co-owner of Ordinary Habit, to learn more about her organization.

(Image courtesy of Ordinary Habit. Image shows Learn Your Leaves Matching Cards by Wild Hart Paper. These matching cards are depicted as, "We created our matching cards to serve as a simple and compact way to bring a moment of joy wherever you go. The game itself is uncomplicated by design: beginning with all cards facing down, take turns flipping over two cards at a time with the intent on finding a matching pair. We think you’ll enjoy taking a moment out of your day to slip into the lush jungle of Hart’s artwork while doing a little mental gymnastics." Price=$15. You can order this matching card set at https://ordinaryhabit.com/products/learn-your-leaves-matching-cards-by-wild-hart-paper )

1. What makes Ordinary Habit different from other puzzle and card brands?

Putting artists at the forefront of our brand is one of the things that sets us apart the most from others. We do interviews with our artists, and their names and bios are front and center on our boxes. Making artwork more accessible to the general population, and helping consumers discover new artists was one of our missions. We're also a mother/daughter founded company! There's a lot of love behind the brand.

(Image courtesy of Ordinary Habit, Image shows Ecstatic Motion by Priscilla Weidlein. This puzzle is described as, " Experience Priscilla Weidlein’s uncommonly lovely take on a quotidian afternoon. We love the many humorous hidden details that make assembling this puzzle the perfect antidote to boredom and creative stagnation." Price= $40. You can order this puzzle at https://ordinaryhabit.com/collections/all-products/products/ecstatic-motion-puzzle-by-priscilla-weidlein )

2. How does Ordinary Habit incorporate its mission and vision into its products?

Our mission is to highlight artists, and help people slow down, while giving back to our community. From the get go we've made recurring donations to the Loveland Foundation, an amazing nonprofit that helps communities of color get access to mental health support. Mental health is something we're passionate about, and we believe that even the smallest things – taking a deep breath, doing a puzzle – can help.

(Image courtesy of Ordinary Habit. The image shows the Birthday Bash Puzzle by Ojima Albalaka. This puzzle is described as, "Confetti in the background sets the tone for this party scene. Friends take a break from dancing and revelry to pause and capture the moment of celebration." Price=$20. You can order this puzzle at https://ordinaryhabit.com/collections/puzzles/products/birthday-bash-by-ojima-abalaka)

3. What are the quintessential Ordinary Habit products customers should buy?

Puzzles are our best seller, so those are definitely quintessential at the moment! However, our Matching Cards are the underdog, and we recommend those too. You can play by yourself, anytime, for a little memory boost.

4. What is the future of the company?

We'll be expanding the content in our Stories section throughout the year, and are always launching new products – puzzles and beyond!