Non-linear Design Thinking Process Template for PowerPoint & Google Slides

Description

Employ this non-linear process slide to illustrate the dynamic, iterative stages of design thinking with precision and visual clarity. Five distinct, color-coded ovals – red for Empathize, orange for Define, blue for Ideate, green for Prototype, and yellow for Test – form the core framework, connected by thin arrows and feedback loops to emphasize flexibility and continuous improvement.

Designed for adaptability, this slide uses master graphics and editable placeholders to let you customize labels, adjust colors, or rearrange the sequence in moments. The high-contrast font pairing and generous white space ensure legibility in both digital presentations and printed handouts. Whether you’re facilitating a UX workshop, conducting stakeholder briefings, or outlining a product development roadmap, this layout transforms complex processes into an accessible visual narrative.

Built for PowerPoint and Google Slides compatibility, the slide maintains crisp resolution across platforms, eliminating formatting challenges during collaboration. Simply swap icons, update text placeholders, or tweak the color palette to align with your brand guidelines. The clean, modern flat design fosters professional consistency and can be scaled effortlessly for large-format displays or remote conferencing.

Integrated feedback loops from the Test phase back to Empathize and Define reinforce user-centric decision making, showcasing how insights drive problem redefinition and solution refinement. Callouts positioned above and below the main flow further contextualize each stage’s purpose, allowing you to reinforce key takeaways without cluttering the design.

The well-structured layout also supports cross-functional collaboration, enabling teams to align on user insights, ideation priorities, and validation criteria. Use this slide as part of strategic planning sessions, innovation sprints, or educational training modules to guide participants through the methodology with a clear, consistent reference.

Who is it for

UX designers, product managers, and innovation teams will find this slide invaluable during design thinking workshops, user research presentations, and solution ideation sessions. Design consultants, facilitators, and educators can leverage the clear flow to guide participants through iterative methodology. Project managers and startup founders can also use the slide to communicate process frameworks and stakeholder alignment.

Other Uses

Adapt this slide for agile retrospectives, product roadmaps, and process training modules. Use the color-coded ovals to illustrate stages in project management cycles, quality assurance workflows, or educational curriculums. The flexible layout can also support cross-functional alignment sessions, strategic planning meetings, and stakeholder reporting.