S757: DT for DaTing, Marrying & Living Long Life.

Design Thinking for a Divorce-Free and Safe Marriage in the Indian Context

Background

Marriage is a significant life decision, and selecting the right partner and family can be a challenging task. In India, where family and social dynamics play a crucial role, it’s essential to approach this decision with care and consideration. Design thinking, a problem-solving approach, can be applied to make an informed decision and minimize the risk of divorce.

Empathize

1. Reflect on values and priorities: Identify your non-negotiables, expectations, and aspirations from marriage and life.
2. Understand Indian social dynamics: Recognize the cultural, social, and economic nuances that influence marriage and family relationships in India.
3. Research and gather insights: Talk to married couples, family members, and friends to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and challenges.

Define

1. Define your ideal partner and family: Based on your research and reflections, create a profile of your ideal partner, in-laws, and community.
2. Identify potential risks and challenges: Consider common issues that can lead to divorce or marital problems in Indian society, such as dowry, family interference, or incompatible values.
3. Establish your non-negotiables: Clearly define your deal-breakers and priorities in a partner and family.

Ideate

1. Brainstorm potential communities and families: Research and explore different communities, castes, or social groups that align with your values and preferences.
2. Envision your ideal family dynamics: Imagine how you’d like your relationships with your partner, in-laws, and extended family to be.
3. Consider alternative partnership models: Think about non-traditional partnership arrangements, such as inter-caste or inter-religious marriages, if they align with your values.

Prototype

1. Meet potential partners and families: Engage with potential partners and their families through social events, online platforms, or family introductions.
2. Assess compatibility and values: Evaluate your compatibility with potential partners and their families, considering factors like values, lifestyle, and communication.
3. Test your boundaries and expectations: Gently test your boundaries and expectations with potential partners and their families to ensure mutual respect and understanding.

Test

1. Background verification: Conduct thorough background checks on your potential partner and their family to ensure transparency and trust.
2. Pre-marital assessment: Consider professional assessments, like personality tests or counseling sessions, to evaluate your compatibility and identify potential areas of conflict.
3. Pre-nuptial agreement: Draft a pre-nuptial agreement to establish clear expectations and guidelines for your marriage, including financial decisions and responsibilities.
4. Counseling: Attend pre-marital counseling sessions to discuss your expectations, concerns, and values with your partner and a professional counselor.
5. Self-checks: Regularly reflect on your feelings, concerns, and expectations to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
6. Marital checklist: Create a checklist of essential qualities, values, and expectations to evaluate your potential partner and their family.

Tools and Resources

1. Marital compatibility quizzes: Utilize online quizzes or assessments to evaluate your compatibility with your partner.
2. Pre-marital counseling: Seek professional counseling to discuss your expectations, concerns, and values.
3. Background verification services: Engage professional services to conduct thorough background checks.
4. Pre-nuptial agreement templates: Use online resources or consult with a lawyer to draft a pre-nuptial agreement.
5. Marriage education programs: Participate in programs or workshops that focus on building a strong, healthy marriage.

Implementation

1. Integrate your findings: Combine the insights gathered from your research, self-reflection, and assessments to make an informed decision.
2. Communicate openly: Maintain open and honest communication with your partner and their family to ensure mutual understanding and respect.
3. Be flexible: Be willing to adapt and grow together as individuals and as a couple.
4. Prioritize mutual respect: Establish a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and understanding in your relationship.

By incorporating design thinking principles, background verification, pre-marital assessment, pre-nuptial agreements, counseling, self-checks, and marital checklists, you can make a more informed decision and lay the groundwork for a strong, healthy, and fulfilling marriage.