Innovation is a powerful force that can transform our lives and the world we live in. But it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires a mindset shift and a collective desire to change for the better. When we align our goals and work together towards a common purpose, we can create real impact.
One way to achieve this is through ideation – the process of generating and developing new ideas. But ideation alone is not enough. We need to leverage different methodologies to ensure that our ideas are not only creative but also effective and impactful. In my work I draw inspiration from Design and Systems Thinking as well as Agile ways of working.
Design thinking is a human-centered methodology that can help us develop innovative solutions that meet real needs. By focusing on empathy and user-centricity, Design Thinking encourages us to look beyond the surface and understand the underlying problems that need solving.
Systems Thinking is another methodology that can help us understand complex problems and identify the root causes of issues. By taking a holistic approach, we can see how different parts of a system interact and influence each other, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the problem.
Agile ways of working and co-creation are also crucial in ideating for impact. By working collaboratively with others, we can harness diverse perspectives and skill sets to generate more creative and effective ideas. This approach can lead to a sense of shared ownership and commitment, which can drive the success of a challenge or project.
I like to go beyond the human-centered approach, and incorporate the triple bottom line: People Planet Profit. Therefore, in solving any challenge or ideating something new we can align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for achieving a sustainable future for all (learn more about this by tuning into the radioshow I co-hosted with Peter Matthies interviewing Paul Polman and Rinaldo Brutoco). By integrating the SDGs in our ideation process, we can ensure that our ideas contribute towards creating a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world.
One methodology that combines all these elements is the well known Design Sprint. It is a time-bound, structured process that allows teams to ideate, prototype, and test ideas in a short period. By using design thinking, systems thinking, and co-creation, Design Sprint can help teams create innovative solutions with real impact.
In conclusion, ideation for real impact requires a collective mindset shift, a combination of methodologies, and the commitment to co-creation. By leveraging Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, Agile ways of working and co-creation, we can ideate solutions that meet real needs and contribute towards creating a sustainable future for all.
If you’re interested in working with me on something new, reach out to me here.
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