I liked the 3 steps; explore, choices and reflect that you outlined in you article. Very practical.

I hope you don't mind me reaching out and offering a different perspective on ikigai. I must admit the Venn diagram model is quite seductive. And while it is inspiring and helpful, it is not Japanese in origin.

The 4 question framework is actually the Venn Purpose diagram created by Spanish astrologer Andrés Zuzunaga. Full credit should go to Andrés for its creation.

Its association with ikigai came about when a blogger wrote an inspiring post titled "What's your ikigai?" after watching a TadTalk on the subject. He simply replaced ‘purpose’ with ‘ikigai’ in the centre of the Venn diagram and it went viral. Now millions of people misunderstand it as ikigai.

Personally, I think your 3 step design thinking method is more helpful than the ambitious Venn diagram.