Monthly Archives: February 2021

What is innovation? – EPISODE ONE – Ask the Consultant

Live from the Innovation Studio comes EPISODE ONE of a new ‘Ask the Consultant’ series of short form videos. EPISODE ONE tackles the question people ask me more than any other:

“What is innovation?”

If you’d like to see additional potential definitions of innovation you can find 60+ additional innovation definitions here (sorry, link expired).

My definition of innovation, refined over the years, is the following:

“Innovation transforms the useful seeds of invention into widely adopted solutions valued above every existing solution.” – Braden Kelley

The video above covers why I have defined innovation in this way, and why it is so important for every organization to have a clear definition of innovation that they disseminate WIDELY across the organization.

What question should I tackle in the next video episode of “Ask the Consultant” live from my innovation studio?

Contact me with your question

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Why Change is Hard

Why Change is Hard

In 250 Words or Less

When we think about change, often we look at it as being done to us, not something that we are part of. Initiating change is a scary, overwhelming process that we often avoid because we lack the tools to accumulate buy-in and successfully plan and execute the change in the face of the following obstacles/barriers:

  1. psychological/political
  2. logistical
  3. financial
  4. external

This leads to inaction and preservation of the status quo until the pain becomes too much to bear, or the promise of the change becomes so enticing, that people are willing to drop their resistance and begin engaging in the activities necessary to realize the intended outcomes of the change.

Organizations must identify up-front not only why people may resist, but also who will likely resist. Some of the typical reasons why people will resist include:

  • loss of certainty (includes fear of job loss)
  • loss of purpose, direction, or status
  • loss of mastery (includes loss of expertise/recognition)
  • loss of control or ownership
  • loss of connection or attachment
  • lack of trust or clarity
  • fear of failure (feel unprepared)
  • seeing proposed change as irrelevant or a bad idea

Finally, change is hard because even if you idedntify and overcome the resistance/obstacles/barriers, hiding below the surface is the even more daunting prospect that according to a 2009 ProSci study, 73% of organizations are at or near change saturation — the point at which organizations are incapable of absorbing additional change.

(248 words)

SPECIAL BONUS

One tool I created for the Change Planning Toolkit™ that will assist you in creating a stronger change strategy and more targeted communications as you lower resistance and get people to choose change are the Eight Change Mindsets:

Eight Change Mindsets to Harness for Success

Obviously it is really hard to fit everything into 250 words so I had to leave some great other highlights of why change is hard, including this one:

In a 2008 global CEO study conducted by IBM on the enterprise of the future, the top challenges to successfully implementing strategic change were identified as:

  1. changing mindsets and attitudes (58 percent)
  2. corporate culture (49 percent)
  3. underestimating complexity (35 percent)
  4. shortage of resources (33 percent)
  5. lack of commitment from higher management (32 percent)
  6. lack of change know-how (20 percent)
  7. lack of motivation of employees involved (16 percent)

And here are some other challenges I would have included in the list:

  • lack of tools
  • lack of training
  • stakeholder misalignment
  • lack of buy in
  • change saturation
  • change fatigue
  • lack of change readiness
  • missing prerequisites
  • underestimating resistance
  • missing resources needed to succeed
  • underestimating risks and barriers
  • underestimating benefits of the status quo

To make change easier you’ll definitely want to transform how you plan and execute change into a more visual and collaborative approach, ideally suited for remote and hybrid interactions. It’s all laid out in my latest book Charting Change and supported by the Change Planning Toolkit™. A growing number of universities are picking up and teaching this new modern approach. Why not you?

Sources:

  1. Charting Change by Braden Kelley, Palgrave Macmillan, 2016
  2. Marsh survey on health, productivity and absenteeism—Prosci, 2009

Image Credit: Unsplash


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Training Your Quantum Human Computer

Quantum Human Computing

What is quantum computing?

According to Wikipedia, “Quantum computing is the use of quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform computation. Computers that perform quantum computations are known as quantum computers.”

Rather than try and explain all of the ins and outs of how quantum computing differs from traditional computing and why it matters, I encourage you to check out this YouTube video:

In case you were curious, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the current record holder for quantum computing is a Google machine capable of processing 72 Quantum Bits. There is supposedly a machine in China capable of 76 Qubits, but it has yet to be fully recognized as the new record holder.

So, what does quantum computing have to do with humanity and the human brain and our collective future?

Is the human brain a quantum computer?

The easy answer is – we’re not sure – but scientists are conducting experiments to try and determine whether the human brain is capable of computing in a quantum way.

As the pace of change in our world accelerates and data proliferates, we will need to train our brains to use less traditional brute force computing of going through every possibility one after another to do more parallel processing, better pattern recognition, and generating an increase in our ability to see insights straight away.

Connect the Dots

But how can we train our brains?

There are many different ways to better prepare your brain as we move from the Information Age to the Age of Insight. Let me start you off with two good ones and invite you to add more in the comments:

1. Connect the Dots

Many of us grew up doing connect-the-dot puzzles, and they seemed pretty easy. But, that is with visual queues. The image above shows a number of different visual queues. Connect the dots, especially without numbers or visual queues are great proving grounds for improving your visual pattern recognition skills.

2. DLAIY JMBULE

One of my favorites is the word game DAILY JUMBLE in my local newspaper. You can also play it online. The key here is to work not on using brute force to reorder the letters into a word, but trying to train your brain to just SEE THE WORD – instantly.

Succeeding at this and other ways of training your brain to be more like a quantum computer involves getting better at removing your conscious analytical brain from the picture and letting other parts of your brain take over. It’s not easy. It takes practice – continual practice – because it is really hard to keep the analytical brain out of the way.

So, are you willing to give it a try?

Stay tuned for the next article in this series “The Age of Insight” …

Image credits: Utrecht University, Pixabay


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Robots and Automation

Redefining Industries and the Workforce

Robots and Automation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

The world is undergoing a technological revolution, where robots and automation are increasingly prevalent in industries, altering the way we work and transforming entire sectors. This paradigm shift has given rise to a new era for the global workforce, with significant implications for the economy and society as a whole. In this thought leadership article, we will explore how robots and automation redefine industries and reshape the workforce by examining two compelling case study examples.

Case Study 1: The Automotive Industry

The automotive industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation due to the integration of robots and automation. Assembly lines that were once dominated by human labor have now become hubs of robotic efficiency. Manufacturing giants like Tesla and Toyota have turned to automation to enhance production speed, improve quality control, and ultimately increase profitability.

The deployment of robots and automation in the automotive sector has proven to be a game-changer. By automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, such as welding, painting, and assembly, manufacturers have achieved greater precision and consistency in their operations. This shift has also led to a reduction in workplace injuries, as robots effectively handle hazardous tasks and operate in environments inhospitable to humans.

Yet, the introduction of automation in the automotive industry has not come without its challenges. While overall productivity has surged, concerns about job displacement have mounted. However, it is important to note that automation has typically resulted in the creation of new jobs that are more cognitively demanding and require advanced technical skills. Moreover, the shift to automation allows human workers to be up-skilled in areas such as robot programming, maintenance, and supervision, leading to higher job satisfaction and improved career prospects.

Case Study 2: E-commerce and Warehousing

The rapid growth of e-commerce has revolutionized the retail industry, prompting a surge in demand for warehousing and fulfillment centers. Robots and automation have played a pivotal role in meeting this demand by redefining the warehousing landscape. Companies like Amazon have embraced robotics to optimize their logistics operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline processes.

Robots deployed in e-commerce warehouses are capable of picking, packing, and sorting products at remarkable speeds, far surpassing the capabilities of human workers. They navigate the warehouse floor with precision and utilize machine learning algorithms to continuously improve their performance. Automation allows for a much quicker order fulfillment process, leading to reduced delivery times and improved customer satisfaction.

While the use of robots in e-commerce warehouses has raised concerns about job displacement, it is vital to understand the broader picture. As demand for online shopping and rapid delivery increases, the need for more sophisticated logistics operations grows as well. This expansion necessitates a larger workforce to manage, program, and maintain the robotic systems. Furthermore, the integration of automation in e-commerce has opened up new opportunities for workers in areas such as inventory management, data analysis, and customer service, illustrating the transformative nature of this technology.

Conclusion

Robots and automation are undoubtedly redefining industries and transforming the global workforce. As exemplified by the automotive industry and e-commerce sector, the integration of this technology has led to increased productivity, improved quality control, and enhanced safety measures. While concerns about job displacement persist, historical evidence suggests that automation creates new roles that require advanced skills, benefiting workers in the long run. To adapt to this rapidly changing landscape, harnessing the potential of robots and automation will be crucial for individuals, companies, and policymakers alike. It is through proactive adaptation and up-skilling that we can embrace this technological revolution and shape a future where robots work alongside humans for the betterment of society.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Wikimedia

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Change Leadership in Times of Crisis

Lessons from Successful Leaders

Change Leadership in Times of Crisis

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Change is inevitable, and crises often provide the catalyst for transformation. In times of crisis, leaders face unique challenges that demand effective change leadership strategies to steer their organizations towards success. Drawing inspiration from the experiences of successful leaders, this article presents two case studies that highlight the lessons learned in leading change during times of crisis. These examples demonstrate the importance of agility, resilience, and empathy in navigating through tumultuous periods and emerging stronger on the other side.

Case Study 1: Indra Nooyi – Pepsico’s Journey Towards Healthier Products

In 2006, Indra Nooyi, the CEO of PepsiCo at the time, identified a pressing need for change amidst growing concerns about obesity and the negative health effects associated with calorie-rich sugary drinks and snacks. PepsiCo’s traditional product portfolio centered around these items, posing a significant challenge for transformation. However, Nooyi’s visionary leadership led to a successful change initiative that transformed PepsiCo into a more health-conscious company.

Lessons Learned:

1. Embrace a Bold Vision: Nooyi recognized the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences, showing the importance of a clear and ambitious vision for change in times of crisis.
2. Invest in Innovation: Under Nooyi’s leadership, PepsiCo committed to investing in healthier snacks and beverages and acquired brands like Quaker Oats to diversify its product range. This illustrates the necessity of investing in innovation to adapt and stay ahead of the competition during crises.

Case Study 2: Satya Nadella – Microsoft’s Shift to a Cloud-Focused Company

When Satya Nadella took the reins as Microsoft’s CEO in 2014, the tech giant faced challenges brought about by the declining PC market and increasing competition from new entrants. Recognizing the urgent need for change, Nadella initiated a transformation towards a cloud-first and mobile-first ethos, revamping the company’s entire strategy and culture.

Lessons Learned:

1. Foster a Growth Mindset: Nadella embraced a growth mindset that encourages continuous learning, agility, and flexibility. This mindset allowed Microsoft to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics and invest in cloud-based technologies, propelling the organization ahead during times of crisis.
2. Empower Employees: Nadella focused on empowering employees to excel and innovate, emphasizing collaboration and inclusive leadership. This approach fostered a culture of change and resilience within Microsoft.

Conclusion

These case studies highlight the critical role of change leadership in times of crisis and provide valuable lessons for leaders facing similar challenges. Indra Nooyi’s transformation of PepsiCo towards healthier products exemplifies the importance of embracing a bold vision and investing in innovation during tumultuous periods. Satya Nadella’s leadership at Microsoft demonstrates the value of fostering a growth mindset and empowering employees to adapt to changing circumstances successfully.

Ultimately, successful change leadership during crises requires a combination of strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. By learning from the experiences of visionary leaders like Nooyi and Nadella, leaders can navigate uncertainty, inspire their organizations, and emerge stronger from times of crisis.

Bottom line: The Change Planning Toolkit™ is grounded in extensive research and proven methodologies, providing users with a reliable and evidence-based approach to change management. The toolkit offers a comprehensive set of tools and resources that guide users through each stage of the change planning process, enabling them to develop effective strategies and navigate potential obstacles with confidence.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Change Metrics and Measurement

Assessing the Impact of Organizational Transformation

Change Metrics and Measurement

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, organizations are consistently striving to stay ahead of the curve by undergoing various transformation initiatives. From digitalization efforts to cultural shifts, organizational transformation has become a necessity for growth and survival. However, for these transformations to be successful, organizations need to accurately measure their impact using effective metrics. In this article, we will explore the importance of change metrics and measurement in assessing the impact of organizational transformation through the lens of two case studies.

Case Study 1: Company A – Digital Transformation

Company A, a traditional manufacturing firm, embarked on a digital transformation journey to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience. To measure the impact of the transformation, a set of metrics were developed to track key performance indicators (KPIs).

The first metric focused on employee adoption of new digital tools. By tracking the rate of tool adoption and conducting regular surveys, Company A was able to identify areas where additional training and support were needed. As a result, the effectiveness of the digital tools and employees’ acceptance increased, leading to a significant improvement in efficiency.

Another crucial metric assessed the impact on customer satisfaction. By analyzing customer feedback, complaints, and net promoter score, the transformation team determined whether the digital transformation translated into enhanced customer experiences. Adjustments were made based on the data, resulting in higher customer satisfaction levels and an increase in repeat business.

This case study demonstrates how change metrics enabled Company A to track the impact of digital transformation from both an internal (employee adoption) and external (customer satisfaction) perspective. By measuring these metrics continually, the organization was able to make informed decisions and refine their transformation strategy.

Case Study 2: Company B – Cultural Shift

Company B, an established financial institution, recognized the need to embrace a startup culture to foster innovation and remain competitive. To assess the impact of this cultural shift, a blend of quantitative and qualitative metrics were employed.

One critical metric focused on the employee engagement and satisfaction levels. Regular surveys and face-to-face interviews were conducted to gauge employees’ perception of the cultural shift. By monitoring changes in these metrics over time, Company B was able to identify pain points and implement initiatives to address concerns. This approach resulted in an increase in employee satisfaction and a more collaborative work environment.

Another metric relied on the development of innovative ideas and their implementation within the organization. By tracking the number of ideas generated, the success rate of implementation, and the impact of these ideas on the company’s bottom line, Company B could effectively assess the transformation’s impact. The organization observed a steady increase in the number of innovative ideas and a subsequent boost in revenue, showcasing the positive effect of the cultural shift.

This case study exemplifies how change metrics allow organizations to measure the impact of cultural transformations, such as embracing a startup culture. By identifying key metrics related to employee engagement and idea generation, Company B was able to continuously evaluate the transformation’s progress and make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Assessing the impact of organizational transformation is essential to ensure its success. By using well-defined change metrics and measurement approaches, organizations can evaluate the effectiveness of their transformation initiatives and make data-driven decisions to refine their strategies.

The case studies of Company A and Company B demonstrate the importance of incorporating different metrics to assess transformation impact from various perspectives. Whether it be digital transformation or cultural shifts, the ability to measure employee adoption, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and innovative outcomes allows organizations to gauge the success of their transformation efforts accurately.

To remain competitive, organizations must not only embrace change but also track and evaluate its impact continuously. By doing so, they can foster a culture of accountability, learn from their experiences, and ultimately achieve meaningful and sustainable transformation.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: misterinnovation.com

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Rise of the Evangelist

Chief Evangelist Braden Kelley

What is an evangelist?

When many people hear this term, their minds used to picture Billy Graham or Pat Robertson, but this is changing. Why?

Our perceptions of evangelists are transforming as the pace of change accelerates to construct a new reality faster than most human brains can process the changes.

This creates a chasm in understanding and change readiness that evangelists can help bridge in a number of different ways.

Let us look at what an evangelist really is…

Oxford Dictionaries say an evangelist is a “zealous advocate of something.”

Nine Innovation Roles EvangelistIn business, the evangelist is a role that any of us can take on (with varying levels of success). Evangelism is very important to innovation success, which is why the evangelist is one of The Nine Innovation Roles™. This is how I define this particular role:

“The Evangelists know how to educate people on what the idea is and help them understand it. Evangelists are great people to help build support for an idea internally, and also to help educate customers on its value.”

Notice at this point we are talking about an evangelist as a role that can be played by one or more people, and not as a job that one or more people hold. Evangelism normally will be a role and not a job, but there are inflection points where this must change.

Outside of an innovation context, evangelism often falls on the shoulders of CEOs, business owners and product managers within organizations. When the need for evangelism is small, this can work. But for most organizations, this is no longer the case.

When should you hire an evangelist?

The time to cross over from evangelism as a role to evangelism as a job is when:

  1. The pace of internal change is accelerating faster than employees can grasp without help
  2. The pace of external change is accelerating faster than customers can understand without help
  3. Your company is facing disruption by new entrants or existing competitors
  4. You’re considering a digital transformation
  5. You’ve already embarked upon a digital transformation
  6. You’re using Agile in product development
  7. Your brand essence is being shifted by you or your customers
  8. You need a more human and personal presence in your marketing efforts to better connect with customers

When one or more of these conditions are true, you’ll find that it isn’t possible for CEOs, business owners and product owners to meet the needs for evangelism in the short spurts of time these people can dedicate to the necessary activities.

As highlighted by Agile Product Development’s presence in the list, organizations leveraging Agile to develop software-based products will find that their product managers are always engaged with the backlog with little time to focus on evangelism. They’re always focused on shipping something.

Some organizations will resist adding evangelists to their team, feeling that such a role is superfluous, but having one or more people focused on evangelism delivers value to the organization by executing a range of incredibly important activities, including:

  • Growing awareness
  • Building a community around the company and/or plugging the company into pre-existing external communities (potentially taking the brand to places it has never been before)
  • Generating interest
  • Working with customers and the marketing team to identify the stories that need to be told and the themes that need to be introduced and/or reinforced
  • Creating desire
  • Building and maintaining conversations with the community that cares about your products/services/brands
  • Engaging in an open and honest dialogue to help gather the voice of the customer
  • Facilitating action
  • Practicing a human-centered design mindset to continuously elicit needs and surface wants and desired outcomes

Depending on the size of the organization you may decide to have a single evangelist, or some larger organizations have more than one type of evangelist, including:

  1. Chief Evangelist
  2. Brand Evangelists
  3. Product Evangelists
  4. Service Evangelists
  5. Innovation Evangelists

This specialization occurs when the evangelism an organization needs become too big for one evangelist to handle. At that point a Chief Evangelist creates the evangelism strategy and manages the execution across the team of brand, product, service and other evangelism focus areas.

So what makes a good evangelist?

Evangelists arrive from a range of different job specialties, but key knowledge, skills and abilities include:

  • Empathetic
  • Passionate About the Company’s Mission, Products/Services, and Customers
  • Comfortable Public Speaker
  • Efficient and Effective Writer
  • Human-Centered Design Mindset
  • Experienced with Social Media, Audio and Video
  • Skilled Content Creator
  • Continuous Learner
  • Self-Directed and Comfortable with Ambiguity

… and ideally your chosen evangelists will already have some presence in the communities important to you, or the knowledge of how to establish a presence in these communities.

Customer buying journeys are notoriously unpredictable, meandering, long and non-linear. Evangelism is a critical part of helping to build relationships with potential buyers and increasing the chances that your brand will be top of mind when a non-buyer finally becomes a potential customer of your products or services.

It’s a long-term non-transactional investment, one that will pay dividends if you see the wisdom in making the expenditure.

Has your organization already invested in evangelists? What learnings would you like to share in the comments?

Are you ready for the evangelists to rise in your organization?

Or do you need help with evangelism? (contact me if you do)

Share the love!

p.s. I wrote a follow-up article for InnovationManagement.se that you might also enjoy — Increase Your Innovation Reputation and Velocity with an Innovation Evangelist


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Innovation in the Digital Age

Strategies for Harnessing Technology

Innovation in the Digital Age

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses must embrace innovation to keep up with the rapidly changing market demands. Digital technologies have become an essential tool for organizations to drive growth, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. However, successful adoption of these technologies requires a strategic approach that goes beyond simply embracing the latest trends. In this article, we will explore two case study examples of companies that have effectively harnessed technology to drive innovation and achieve remarkable results.

Case Study 1: Netflix

As the streaming industry continues to disrupt traditional media channels, Netflix has emerged as a pioneer by leveraging technology to transform the way people consume entertainment. By capitalizing on the growing ubiquity of high-speed internet and the rise of mobile devices, Netflix disrupted the video rental market and challenged cable TV providers head-on.

One of the key strategies employed by Netflix was the development of a robust recommendation system powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. By analyzing user preferences, viewing habits, and feedback from millions of subscribers, Netflix successfully personalizes content recommendations, creating a highly curated user experience. This approach enabled Netflix to significantly increase user engagement, reduce churn rates, and ultimately dominate the streaming market.

Furthermore, Netflix’s implementation of cloud computing technology allowed them to store and deliver vast amounts of content efficiently. This enabled them to scale rapidly, expand their content library, and support a global user base. By fully embracing digital technologies, Netflix revolutionized the way media is consumed, becoming a household name and a leader in the streaming industry.

Case Study 2: Tesla

Tesla, an innovative electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has revolutionized the automotive industry by harnessing digital technologies to bring sustainable transportation to the masses. Tesla’s success can be attributed to its ability to integrate cutting-edge hardware with advanced software, creating a seamless and highly connected experience for its customers.

Tesla’s vehicles are packed with sensors, enabling them to collect an immense amount of data about the vehicle’s performance, user behavior, and road conditions. Through over-the-air software updates, Tesla can continuously improve their vehicles by adding new features, enhancing performance, and resolving issues remotely. This not only provides an exceptional customer experience but also reduces the need for physical recalls or service center visits.

Moreover, Tesla has built a vast network of charging stations worldwide, leveraging digital technology to enable EV owners to conveniently charge their vehicles. Through real-time monitoring and management systems, Tesla optimizes the utilization and availability of these charging stations, ensuring a smooth experience for their customers, while promoting the wider adoption of electric vehicles.

Tesla’s ability to harness digital technologies has played a crucial role in differentiating itself from traditional automakers, making it a leader in the EV market and an emblem of innovation in the automotive industry.

Conclusion

The case studies of Netflix and Tesla demonstrate how businesses can successfully harness technology to drive innovation and achieve extraordinary results. By leveraging AI algorithms, personalization, cloud computing, over-the-air updates, and real-time monitoring, these companies have disrupted their respective industries and created new standards for success.

To succeed in the digital age, organizations must embrace innovation as a core strategy and invest in technologies that align with their long-term goals and customer needs. By adopting a strategic approach to technology adoption and continually exploring opportunities for growth and improvement, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the digital revolution and reap the rewards of transformational change.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Design Thinking for Non-profits

Solving Social Challenges with Human-centered Approaches

Design Thinking for Non-profits

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s rapidly evolving world, non-profit organizations face numerous complex social challenges that require innovative and effective solutions. Design thinking, a problem-solving approach that focuses on human-centered solutions, is increasingly being embraced by non-profits as a powerful tool to create meaningful change. By leveraging empathy, collaboration, and iterative processes, non-profits can successfully tackle social issues while ensuring that the needs and experiences of the communities they serve are at the forefront. In this thought leadership article, we will explore the application of design thinking in the non-profit sector and provide two case study examples that demonstrate its effectiveness in solving social challenges.

Case Study 1: WaterAid’s Innovative Solution for Accessible Water Supply in Ethiopia

WaterAid, an international non-profit organization working to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, adopted design thinking principles to address the challenge of scarce and unreliable water supply in a rural region of Ethiopia. Recognizing the importance of involving the local community in the solution development process, WaterAid engaged in empathy-building exercises and conducted interviews with residents to gain insights into their lived experiences.

Through the empathetic understanding gained, WaterAid discovered that the main problem was not the lack of water sources but rather the existing water sources’ unreliability. To address this, they implemented a design thinking approach that involved collaboration with local residents, engineers, and government officials to co-create a sustainable solution. The resulting innovation was a solar-powered water pumping system that leveraged renewable energy to provide a reliable and continuous water supply to the community. This human-centered approach not only solved the immediate challenge but also empowered the community by involving them in the problem-solving process.

Case Study 2: IDEO.org’s Design Thinking Approach for Financial Inclusion in Kenya

IDEO.org, a non-profit design and innovation organization, used design thinking to tackle the issue of financial exclusion faced by smallholder farmers in Kenya. Facing numerous barriers to accessing financial services, these farmers struggled to invest in their businesses and enhance productivity. IDEO.org employed a design thinking framework that placed the end-users, the farmers, at the center of the solution development process.

By conducting in-depth interviews and on-the-ground research, IDEO.org gained valuable insights into the farmers’ needs and challenges. They discovered that financial exclusion was exacerbated by a lack of trust and knowledge among the farming community. IDEO.org then collaborated with farmers, local financial institutions, and technology experts to devise a solution that would address these underlying issues. The result was a mobile-based platform that simplified financial transactions, provided easy-to-understand financial literacy resources, and fostered trust through transparent and personalized interactions.

Through this design thinking approach, smallholder farmers gained access to previously unavailable financial resources and were able to harness their entrepreneurial potential, leading to increased productivity and improved livelihoods.

Conclusion

Design thinking has proven to be a powerful tool for non-profit organizations aiming to address complex social challenges. By centering their solutions around the experiences and needs of the communities they serve, non-profits can create interventions that are effective, sustainable, and empowering. The case studies of WaterAid and IDEO.org demonstrate how design thinking can lead to innovative and impactful solutions that transform lives.

Non-profits should embrace design thinking as an essential part of their problem-solving toolkit, fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and learning that enables them to adapt and iterate their approaches continually. By taking a human-centered approach to tackle social challenges, non-profit organizations can create lasting change that truly improves lives and provides the necessary tools for a brighter and more equitable future.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pexels

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Emerging Trends in Food Technology

How Innovation is Transforming the Culinary Landscape

Emerging Trends in Food Technology

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

With the constant evolution of technology, the culinary landscape is witnessing a significant transformation. Advancements in food technology have not only revolutionized the way we prepare and consume food but have also opened doors to exciting new possibilities. From personalized nutrition to sustainable alternatives, these emerging trends are reshaping the food industry. In this thought leadership article, we will explore two compelling case studies that exemplify the transformative power of innovation in food technology.

Case Study 1: 3D Printing in Food

One of the most intriguing advancements in food technology is the application of 3D printing in culinary processes. 3D food printers have the capability to create intricate designs, personalized shapes, and textures, offering a new level of creativity and customization. A prominent case study in this field is that of Barcelona-based startup, Natural Machines. Their flagship product, Foodini, is a 3D food printer that aims to simplify meal preparation while promoting healthy eating.

With Foodini, users can create intricate dishes by layering ingredients precisely and shaping them according to their preferences. This not only enhances the presentation of the meal but also aids in portion control and nutrition monitoring. The technology enables individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy visually appealing, customized meals, empowering them to explore various culinary possibilities.

Additionally, 3D food printing has the potential to tackle food waste by utilizing ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. By converting food scraps into edible creations, this innovative approach promotes sustainability and resource optimization.

Case Study 2: Plant-Based Alternatives

The rise of plant-based alternatives is another remarkable trend fueled by food technology innovation. Traditional animal agriculture poses significant environmental challenges, and the demand for sustainable, ethical alternatives has grown rapidly. Companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat have revolutionized the food industry by developing plant-based meat substitutes that closely mimic the taste and texture of animal-derived products.

Through the application of advanced food science and biotechnology, these companies have created alternative proteins that are indistinguishable from animal meat to the average consumer. Not only do these plant-based alternatives provide a similar culinary experience, but they also significantly reduce environmental impact and resource consumption.

These innovations have disrupted the culinary landscape, transcending the perception that plant-based diets compromise taste or satisfaction. The success of these companies and the market response they have received demonstrates that consumers are increasingly open to embracing sustainable dietary choices.

Conclusion

Food technology is paving the way for exciting changes in the culinary landscape. The case studies of 3D food printing and plant-based alternatives clearly showcase how innovation can transform the way we prepare, consume, and think about food. With continued advancements in this field, we can expect to witness further groundbreaking developments that will reshape the food industry, promoting sustainability, health, and creativity. As individuals and businesses navigate the ever-evolving culinary landscape, it is crucial to remain at the forefront of emerging trends and embrace the transformative power of food technology.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

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