Design Strategy
Knowing which need to pick from your problem space, identifying it’s characteristics and the approach to take towards solving that problem is what the Design Strategy process provides.
Process
Create action plan
(1) Specific tasks – what will be done and by whom.
(2) Time horizon – when will it be done.
(3) Resource allocation – what specific funds are available for specific activities.
Tools
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a technique to systematically generate ideas from a group of people by nurturing free-thinking.
How to do it
- Focus on generating a large number of ideas
- Active involvement of every participant in the process
- Encourage out-of-the-box thinking and creativity
- Promote criticism free environment – encourage all types of ideas including wild or seemingly ridiculous ideas while keeping the purpose of the brainstorming in mind
- Combine ideas to create newer ideas
- Setup a reasonable time limit based on the challenge in hand
- Do NOT share ideas until all participants are ready (at the end of the time limit)
Brainwriting
It encourages team members to pass their work onto other people in their group.
Combination Key
List the attributes of 2 dissimilar objects (one within your area of study, one outside), then combine the attributes into a single object.
is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Affinity diagram
Narrow down ideas from brainstorming
The Affinity Diagram is an interactive data collection method, which enables the identification and sorting of large quantities of ideas within a short time frame. Affinity means likeness or close relationship. The Affinity is used when a non-judgemental process is required for gathering and categorising ideas.
How to do it
- Clearly define and write the topic for the session.
e.g.: “What Makes Sydney A Great City?” - Create teams.
- All team members individually brainstorm ideas relating to the stated
question or topic. As brainstorming takes place, individuals silently write
each idea on a sticky note or note card and place it in front of them. Place
only one idea on each slip of paper/card. - Team members randomly place ideas on the topic flip chart or stick
them on a smooth surface such as a mirror or a white board - Team members, as a group, through negotiation, place ideas in like
categories. - Finally label each category by writing it on the flip chart or placing a
header
Prerequisites for an Affinity Session
- An idea set generated from a Brainstorming Session, typically captured in form of Post-it Notes.
- Team should include people who have the necessary knowledge and skills to meld opinions, perspectives and are aware about the problem at hand. Too small or a very large team may not be effective. Rule of thumb suggests between 4 to 6 members in the team.
- Invitation that clearly states the purpose of the session.
- A facilitator is required to conduct the session.
Benchmarking
Internal Benchmarking
It compares (critical-to-business) processes or products across the organization on key critical-to-quality parameters such as turn-around-time or cost.
Functional Benchmarking
It compares similar functions or processes with industry leaders in that area.
Competitive Benchmarking
It focuses on direct competitors in terms of their products, services, processes, and customers. common candidates for benchmarking are customer satisfaction, critical-to-business processes, products, profitability, and value addition per employee. You need to shortlist what is critical to the business success.
S: Substitute – Think about substituting part of your product/process for something else. By looking for something to substitute you can often come up with new ideas. Typical questions: What can I substitute to make an improvement? What if I swap this for that and see what happens? How can I substitute the place, time, materials or people?