Author Archives: Chateau G Pato

About Chateau G Pato

Chateau G Pato is a senior futurist at Inteligencia Ltd. She is passionate about content creation and thinks about it as more science than art. Chateau travels the world at the speed of light, over mountains and under oceans. Her favorite numbers are one and zero.

An Introduction to Design Thinking: The Benefits and Challenges

An Introduction to Design Thinking: The Benefits and Challenges

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Design thinking has been used to help innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies develop ideas, processes, and products to tackle various challenges, such as customer service problems and market openings. It’s an iterative process that helps individuals and organizations explore, empathize, ideate, and prototype solutions to their challenges. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges associated with design thinking as well as provide two case study examples to illustrate its effectiveness.

The Benefits of Design Thinking

Design thinking offers numerous advantages, including but not limited to:

1. Encourages Idea Exploration: The process encourages exploration and experimentation since it allows for unlimited possibilities to be considered when developing solutions.

2. Encourages Collaboration: It helps individuals and teams work together on projects in an open and inclusive manner, which facilitates problem solving and encourages cooperation.

3. Enhances Creativity: Since it focuses on developing innovative solutions to existing problems, it encourages individuals to think out-of-the-box and come up with creative solutions.

The Challenges of Design Thinking

Although the benefits of design thinking are clear, there are some challenges that organizations have to face when implementing it.

1. Its Scope is Limited: Since it is focused on solving specific problems, the scope of a design thinking project is often limited.

2. Time Consumption: As the design thinking process follows an iterative approach, it requires a significant time commitment from individuals and groups to develop solutions that are feasible.

3. Resistance: The process may also be met with resistance from those who are used to traditional processes and methods as design thinking requires a shift in thinking and approach.

Case Study 1 – Spotify

Spotify, a music streaming service, used design thinking to develop an enhanced listening experience for its users. By utilizing the design thinking process – understanding users’ needs, building prototypes to test feedback, and iterating on features – Spotify was able to create personalized playlists and other services that attracted new customers and users.

Case Study 2 – AirBnB

AirBnB, a hospitality marketplace, also used design thinking to focus on the needs of their customers and develop new products. By utilizing empathy and research to understand customers’ needs, AirBnB was able to develop new features such as experiences, photography, and design options that enabled them to create a more comprehensive user experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, design thinking has many benefits, such as idea exploration, collaboration, and creativity, but also has some challenges associated with it, including a limited scope, time consumption, and resistance. However, two case studies – Spotify and AirBnB – demonstrate how design thinking can be an effective problem-solving tool when utilized correctly. We hope this introduction to design thinking has been helpful for you. Good luck!

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The Benefits of Human-Centered Design in Business

The Benefits of Human-Centered Design in Business

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Human-Centered Design (HCD) is a customer-centric approach to product design, marketing, business development and customer service that is quickly becoming an important business strategy. HCD focuses on understanding the needs and desires of customers, enabling companies to better understand the desires of their customers, develop more competitive products and services, and create more effective long-term customer relationships.

There are many benefits to the application of HCD in business, such as enhancing innovation, improving customer loyalty, and reducing development costs. HCD is also an effective tool for gaining insights into customer needs and wants, enabling companies to create better products and services that meet those needs and wants. Let’s take a look at the key advantages of applying Human-Centered Design in business, through two case studies.

Case study 1 – L.L. Bean

The US-based retail apparel brand, L.L. Bean, wanted to create an omnichannel retail experience for their customers. To achieve this, they employed human-centered design, allowing them to understand how customers shop, how they expect their shopping experience to be, and what they value from the experience. The HCD approach enabled them to develop a personalized experience that satisfied their customers’ needs and wants, and resulted in a 50% increase in their online sales within the first three months of the implementation.

Case study 2 – House of Fraser

The UK-based lifestyle retailer, House of Fraser, was facing increasing competition from online retailers such as Amazon and needed to make a competitive shift in their business. To do so, they incorporated a human-centered design process into their digital transformation plan. Through user research, interviews, and market analysis, they identified key customer needs and demands, enabling them to develop innovative products and customer service offerings that met their customers’ requirements. This resulted in increased customer loyalty and an improvement in market share.

Conclusion

Clearly, there are numerous benefits to using human-centered design in business. By allowing companies to gain insights into their customers’ needs and wants, and to create better products and services that meet those needs and wants, HCD can help businesses stand out in their competitive environment. Furthermore, by enabling companies to focus on customer satisfaction, HCD can promote consumer loyalty and increase market share. If you are a business looking to remain competitive in today’s market, then implementing Human-Centered Design could be a great strategy for you.

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How to Use Analytics to Drive Digital Transformation

How to Use Analytics to Drive Digital Transformation

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In the age of digital transformation, the role of analytics is well documented as one of the most important tools available for business owners. Analytics has become an integral part of the decision-making process, informing strategies and helping to improve overall efficiency. With its ability to measure business performance, provide actionable insights, and identify new opportunities, analytics has become an indispensable tool for leading companies.

Today, the use of analytics to drive digital transformation is becoming more common, as business owners look to harness the power of data to be competitive in the changing digital landscape. Here, we provide a guide on how you can effectively use analytics to drive your digital transformation initiatives.

1. Understand Your Goals and Objectives

Before you start to implement analytics, it’s important to spend time properly defining your digital transformation goals and objectives. By doing this, you’ll be better able to utilize the right analytics tools to achieve your specific goals. You should also think about any gaps in the data you’re collecting and create a plan to fill those gaps. This will help ensure you’re getting the most value out of your analytics.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Data Strategy

Having clear, concise data strategies in place is essential for driving digital transformation. With data strategy, you can align your business goals with your analytics objectives to ensure that you’re focusing the right resources in the right areas. A comprehensive data strategy should also include an analysis of any technical systems that need to be upgraded to support the goals of digital transformation.

3. Take Advantage of Automation

Automating analytics processes can help you save time and resources in the long run. Automation can also help to accurately forecast trends and make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. When automating your analytics processes, it’s important to consider the quality of your data, the scalability of your systems, and the method of data delivery.

4. Invest in Skilled Analysts

As you’re preparing to drive digital transformation through analytics, it’s important to ensure that you’re investing in skilled analysts. These professionals should be experienced in leveraging analytics tools and be familiar with the strategies needed to guide your organization through digital transformation.

5. Use Case Studies to Guide Your Efforts

As you’re strategizing on how to use analytics to drive digital transformation, you should look for case studies from other organizations. By leveraging case studies, you’ll be better prepared to develop robust strategies that address the challenges of digital transformation.

To illustrate this concept of using analytics to drive digital transformation, here are two case studies to consider:

Case Study #1

A well-known international food chain used analytics to transform its online ordering process. By analyzing customer feedback and buying habits, the chain was able to identify areas of customer dissatisfaction and create a more intuitive ordering system that increased consumer satisfaction and boosted online sales.

Case Study #2

A major retail chain used analytics to optimize the customer experience in its physical stores. By analyzing customer feedback and traffic flows, the chain was able to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to create a more personalized shopping experience. As a result, the chain saw an increase in customer engagement and overall sales.

Conclusion

Using analytics to drive digital transformation is essential for organizations looking to stay competitive in the digital age. By understanding your goals and objectives, developing a comprehensive data strategy, taking advantage of automation, investing in skilled analysts, and leveraging case studies, you can effectively use analytics to inform your digital transformation initiatives.

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Change Leadership in the Digital Age

Change Leadership in the Digital Age

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In the digital age, it is no longer feasible for organizations to rely solely on traditional leadership styles and practices to effectively drive change. With digital advancements exponentially increasing in recent years, the way in which organizations approach change leadership must evolve along with it. In order to remain competitive in the modern and ever-changing world, leaders must be willing to employ innovative approaches that utilize digital tools and incorporate ideas from across the organization.

Organizations that successfully lead change in the digital age need to fundamentally shift their organizational culture to one that is driven by digitalization. This requires them to empower their workforce, proactively anticipating change and utilizing data and digital technologies to drive more agile and effective change management.

Case Study 1: 21st Century Fox

21st Century Fox is a great example of a business that has embraced change leadership in the digital age. They have invested heavily in digital technologies to streamline their internal processes, while also introducing a range of innovative initiatives aimed at driving cultural and operational change. This includes the regular use of virtual reality based training, as well as the implementation of agile working practices. Leadership is responsible for facilitating the changes required to enable this modern way of working. They ensure that employees understand and embrace the change, engaging with them and introducing flexible working practices to support this.

Case Study 2: IBM

IBM is another organization that has embraced digital leadership to drive change. As part of their transformation strategy, IBM set up a dedicated digital innovation team to drive the organization’s digital evolution and pioneer new areas of growth. This team is responsible for looking at new technologies and ensure they are implemented in an efficient and effective way. They also provide guidance for employees who need support in understanding the impact of new technologies. Through this team, IBM has developed an agile working culture which encourages its workforce to think innovatively and use digital tools to better serve customers.

Conclusion

These are just two examples of businesses leading successful change in the digital age, but the principles they have used to achieve this remain the same. To successfully and efficiently drive change in the digital era, organizations must invest in digitalization, engage all levels of staff, embrace an agile mindset and utilize data and digital technologies.

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Overcoming Innovation Roadblocks: Strategies for Moving Forward

Overcoming Innovation Roadblocks: Strategies for Moving Forward

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Innovation is key for businesses looking to stay competitive and relevant in today’s fast-paced business world. However, many companies can struggle to successfully innovate due to common roadblocks that can get in the way of successful innovation. Whether it’s a lack of resources, time, or a lack of executive buy-in, there are many common issues that can cause roadblocks in the innovation process. In order to move past these roadblocks and foster a culture of successful innovation, it’s important to develop strategies that will help you move forward.

The first step to overcoming innovation roadblocks is to identify the root issue. There can be many different types of barriers, ranging from financial to cultural, so it’s important to take the time to identify where exactly you’re struggling. Once you’ve identified the obstacles in your way, you can develop strategies to move past them.

The next step is to address potential cultural barriers. Leaders should continue to communicate the importance of innovation throughout the organization and emphasize the use of new ideas and solutions in order to streamline processes. To further foster innovation, you can look to external sources such as pop-up shops, accelerators, and idea competitions. Collaboration with an external source will open up new channels of creativity and provide new perspectives on existing problems.

Build a Common Language of Innovation on your team

It’s also important to consider how you can best allocate resources to foster innovation. While innovation can take up a significant portion of resources, it’s important to invest in resources that will yield the best results. This could involve investing in personnel, technology, materials, or anything else that can help you produce innovative solutions.

Once you have a strategy in place, you should put metrics in place to measure the success of your efforts. This can help you articulate the success of your innovation projects and further convince stakeholders to invest in the process.

Case Study 1 – BSH Home Appliances

To better demonstrate successful innovation strategies, consider the example of BSH Home Appliances. After encountering a few organizational roadblocks, the company decided to invest in a pop-up shop and challenge local students to come up with new ideas for their products. After seeing tangible results, they have decided to make this a part of the company’s annual innovation strategy.

Atlassian

Another example is that of Atlassian, a software company. To overcome executive buy-in roadblocks, they established an internal innovation program that allowed employees to submit ideas and vote on which ones to pursue. This program has allowed the company to not only generate new ways of working but also measure the success of their efforts.

Conclusion

Ultimately, overcoming innovation roadblocks can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By taking the time to identify the root issue, creating a strategy to foster innovation, and putting metrics in place to measure successes, your organization can move past the roadblocks and foster a culture of innovation. With the help of these strategies and case study examples, you can begin to effectively innovate and stay competitive in today’s business landscape.

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The Role of Big Data in Futures Research

The Role of Big Data in Futures Research

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

As research evolves and the greater digital age becomes more and more defined by its vastness and capabilities, so too does the way in which research is conducted. No longer are questionnaires, question prompts, and surveys considered to be the only methods scientists have to delve into the future of their chosen discipline, Gathered and collated data has become commonplace, and the big data analytics and insights that come along with this have allowed the research community to unravel the complexities associated with future forecasting. Here, we explore the role of big data in futures research.

In order for scientists to determine what the future may hold in any given field, they rely heavily on the available information that has been gathered from various sources and third-party data centers. This type of data, commonly referred to as “Big Data”, provides researchers with analytical capabilities, the ability to identify trends, and the capacity to draw accurate conclusions regarding future trends.

Big data can be found in virtually all fields, from healthcare to marketing and finance. With advancements in technology, researchers can gather, store, and analyze large amounts of data much more quickly than ever before. Additionally, the advancements in artificial intelligence have allowed researchers to embed algorithms into their analysis to develop more accurate trend predictions for the future.

Case Study 1 – Atlantic Council’s Global Futures Exchange

A great example of this is the work being done by the Atlantic Council’s Global Futures Exchange. This particular project has seen several big data initiatives implemented, such as machine learning algorithms and natural language processing to help it accurately predict future trends in global affairs. By analyzing massive amounts of data related to climate change, geopolitics, terrorism, and more, researchers can better prepare themselves for what the future may hold in a given field.

Case Study 2 – Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE)

Another great example of the role of big data in futures research is the work done by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE). This organization has been able to leverage big data to create a predictive model that helps inform their decision making and future forecasts. PIRE uses these models to generate forecasts related to various factors such as the global economy, risk management, and energy efficiency. Using predictive analytics, they were able to identify potential areas of risk before they became issues and equipped themselves with the necessary resources to combat them before they become serious.

Conclusion

It’s clear to see that big data and the insights it provides are becoming increasingly important to futures research. This type of data provides researchers with much more accurate and timely results, enabling them to increase the efficiency of their research. With big data analytics, scientists are now presented with the opportunity to use predictive analytics to identify potential trends and outcomes before they become a reality. By leveraging the power of big data, researchers are more prepared to better understand the future and what it holds in their respective fields.

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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How Augmented and Virtual Reality Will Affect Our Lives

How Augmented and Virtual Reality Will Affect Our Lives

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) are rapidly advancing technologies that are transforming the world around us. AR and VR technology has been used in a variety of areas, ranging from entertainment and gaming to medical and military applications. As AR and VR become more widely available and affordable, the potential ways they could be integrated into our daily lives continues to grow. With these changes, it is becoming increasingly important to explore how this technology will affect our lives and how we can leverage it for the better.

One potential area of AR and VR use is in medicine. AR and VR could be used in medical training, allowing medical professionals to gain more immersive experiences with anatomy and other medical procedures. On the patient side, AR and VR could be used to provide a more interactive and immersive experience with medical care and consulting. This could even be extended to allow those who are unable to physically be present for medical appointments to participate and become involved in their own medical care.

Another application could be in education. Currently, many educational institutions are already leveraging AR and VR tools to add a more interactive learning experience for their students. From early education to higher education, incorporating AR/VR technology could bring classes to life and give students the opportunity to truly explore their interests in a more immersive way.

Case Study 1

One example of AR and VR being used in both medical and educational applications is the application of Microsoft HoloLens in the medical field. HoloLens is a head-mounted display that uses both AR and VR technology to project an interactive 3D experience into the real world. It has been used in numerous medical and educational settings, such as medical imaging and microscopic exoplanet exploration. HoloLens has also been used in the medical field for students to “intern” with a physician, allowing them to observe and experience a real-world medical procedure.

Case Study 2

The use of AR and VR technology is also being explored for use in the military. A scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center has developed a Virtual Reality Battle Lab (VRBL), which is a training platform designed to simulate a battlefield environment in order to more accurately train warriors for defense. The lab uses a range of applications, such as AR and VR goggles, robotics, virtual reality systems, and even live-fire ranges. This technology could be used to help the military better prepare and respond to threats, as well as provide soldiers and personnel with more interactive and immersive scenarios for training and mission planning.

Conclusion

Overall, AR and VR technology have the potential to greatly enhance our lives by providing us with new opportunities and experiences. From medical and educational settings to military scenarios, we can see the potential for AR and VR technology to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us. As this technology becomes increasingly available and affordable, it will be interesting to see what new and exciting ways it will be used in our lives.

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: Pexels

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Using Technology to Predict and Prepare for Shifting Consumer Trends

Using Technology to Predict and Prepare for Shifting Consumer Trends

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In the current consumer-driven market, it is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses to stay ahead of customer demands and stay informed on the emergence of new trends. By utilizing the vast possibilities of modern technology, businesses can easily access customer data, comprehend rapidly changing consumer trends, and optimize their profits. Adopting these readily available solutions in advance can help businesses rise above their competitors and meet customers’ needs in a timely manner.

Businesses have an unlimited number of methods to apply in their market research. One of the essential approaches is identifying shifts in consumer trends by leveraging predictive analysis and machine learning algorithms. This modern method makes use of large amounts of customer data and provides customers with personalized packages that best satisfy their requirements. On the other hand, advanced analytics and automation technology make it possible for businesses to rapidly process customer feedback and anticipate the requirements of their target demographic.

Case Study 1: Walmart

Walmart has successfully implemented predictive analytics and automation technology into their business strategy to anticipate customer needs and make their operations run more efficiently. By collecting data from customer interactions, transactions, and sales, Walmart is able to detect changes in consumer behavior and use those insights to optimize their store layout and product selection. Automation tools are also used to manage responses to customer queries quickly, streamline supply chain operations, and deliver accurate customer service.

Case Study 2: Amazon

Amazon has also successfully utilized technology to predict and prepare for shifting consumer trends. By combining predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, Amazon can use customer data to anticipate customer needs and provide tailored recommendations to match those needs. Amazon also uses automation technology to ensure its internal processes run as smoothly as possible, from inventory control to shipping and delivery.

Conclusion

Businesses have a vast array of tools at their disposal to accurately analyze and predict consumer trends. These technologies allow businesses to remain in tune with the rapidly shifting demands of customers and optimize their operations accordingly. By utilizing the power of predictive analytics and automation, businesses can stay one step ahead of the competition and ensure they are delivering the best possible experience for their customers.

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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Change Management: A Leader’s Guide to Effective Implementation

Change Management: A Leader's Guide to Effective Implementation

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Change is a natural part of life, and so businesses must learn to make timely adjustments to stay competitive and successful in the long-term. As a leader, it is your responsibility to ensure that change is properly implemented and managed so that you and your organization are placing strategic efforts where needed. This article serves as a guide to help business leaders implement effective change management strategies in their organization.

What is Change Management?

Change management is a structured process of organizing and controlling a company’s adjustment efforts. It is considered the cornerstone of large-scale transformation and is executed with the general idea of limiting risks and maximizing the potential of positive outcomes from change initiatives. It includes four core components: analysis, planning, implementation, and review. Through these four components, organizations can strategically transform their operations, core systems, and approaches to mission-critical processes.

Why is Change Management Important?

Change management is important because it helps organizations respond to their changing environments efficiently and effectively. It serves as a system of checks and balances and ensures that all change initiatives are properly justified, planned, and implemented. The process also helps businesses minimize the waste of resources and ensure that teams involved in various projects are best working towards the same goal.

Case Study 1 – The Transformation of Microsoft

Microsoft launched an extensive internal transformation project in 2014 to update its core operations, systems, and approaches. This involved a massive overhaul of the company’s internal processes, such as switching to an agile development method. Microsoft implemented a comprehensive change management approach, which included extensive training, workforce planning, and organizational realignment initiatives. The transition was a success and enabled Microsoft to remain a leader in their industry.

Case Study 2 – The Reorganization of National Grid

National Grid, a major electric and gas utility provider, restructured its organization to meet new customer demands and market trends. The company implemented a state-of-the-art change management system to execute the reorganization process across all departments and subsets of the company. This involved a rigorous assessment process, strategic workforce planning, detailed metrics, and advanced decision-making methods. The reorganization successfully enabled National Grid to better respond to changes in its environment and remain competitive in the industry.

Conclusion

Effective change management helps organizations respond to changes in their industry and remain competitive in the long-term. As a leader, it is important to understand the various components of change management and ensure that initiatives are properly planned and implemented. By considering the two case studies provided in this guide, business leaders can gain invaluable insight into the tools and processes that can help their organization successfully manage change.

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Design Thinking for Non-Designers

How to Approach the Problem Solving Process

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In the world of design, getting started with creative problem solving can feel intimidating if you don’t have a design background. Understanding how to approach a problem from a different perspective is key to success when it comes to finding viable solutions. In this article, we’ll be discussing the basics of design thinking and introducing two case studies that demonstrate how it can be used for both creative and practical problem solving.

What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is an approach to problem solving that focuses on human-centered solutions. It was popularized by design firm IDEO, which is known for its innovative products, like the now-ubiquitous Apple Mouse and the Segway. Design thinking is based on the idea that creative solutions and useful products can be used to meet pressing needs in any project. When it comes to problem solving, design thinking encourages a multidisciplinary approach that includes ideation, prototyping and iterative testing.

At its core, design thinking is about asking the right questions and understanding what the user needs from a product or service. The process starts with an initial investigation into the problem, followed by brainstorming to find possible solutions. Once potential ideas have been identified, the next step involves prototyping and experimentation to discover the best approach. Iterative testing and user feedback help to identify areas for improvement, while also informing the end result. Ultimately, the design thinking process can identify both creative and practical solutions that address the original problem.

Case Study 1 – McKinsey & Co: Designing an App for the Nonprofit Sector

In 2020, McKinsey & Co partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to design a mobile app that would help the nonprofit sector better organize its data. In order to create a product that could truly serve the needs of the sector, the team began by conducting research on the current state of data management and the pain points among nonprofits. Once they identified the problem, they used design thinking to create a product that would solve it.

The team conducted interviews, ran surveys and observed user behavior in order to gain deeper insight into the nonprofit sector and better understand their goals. This enabled them to develop an app prototype that addressed the identified pain points and provided innovative solutions for the nonprofit sector. After consulting with the target audience and refining the product, the final version of the app was released and it quickly became a success.

Case Study 2 – Zenden: Delivering Smart Energy Solutions

This example highlights how design thinking can be used to create a product that meets current needs. Zenden, an energy-focused startup, wanted to create a smart energy system that would improve the efficiency of renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. The team used the design thinking process to develop a solution that would meet this goal.

The team first conducted research on the current energy landscape and identified challenges stemming from energy availability and sustainability. They then held brainstorming sessions to come up with possible solutions and interviewed energy industry professionals to refine their ideas. After extensive prototyping and testing, the team was able to develop a solution that provided a reliable energy source and drastically reduced energy waste.

Conclusion

Design thinking is an invaluable tool for problem solving that allows creators to understand a problem from a human-centered perspective and come up with creative solutions that meet users’ needs. Both of the cases presented here demonstrate how design thinking can be used to create products that consider the needs of the user and deliver potential solutions. With the right approach, even those without a design background can create products that meet the needs of their audience.

SPECIAL BONUS: Braden Kelley’s Problem Finding Canvas can be a super useful starting point for doing design thinking or human-centered design.

“The Problem Finding Canvas should help you investigate a handful of areas to explore, choose the one most important to you, extract all of the potential challenges and opportunities and choose one to prioritize.”

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