The Innovation Flow

As leaders operating in a complex and volatile world, we need to solve problems by creating new products, services and solutions. At THNK getting to these solutions is achieved by using the innovation flow: a cycle which consists of sensing, visioning, prototyping and scaling.
Sensing consists of a wide exploration of the topic, combining rational analysis with intuitive gathering of insights. This includes studying the topic and observing the user in their natural habitat, rethinking one’s assumptions and engaging with users and experts through interviews. A key mindset for this phase is postponing your judgement and seeing the world through a child’s eyes rather than confirming what we already know.
The Visioning phase consists of ideating a new concept that is distinct, bold, and appealing, through synthesis, visualization and articulation. Seeing different possibilities through lenses while being able to reframe any limiting beliefs that stand in our way. A key mindset for visioning is to be in a state where we accept all ideas: the good, the bad and the ugly to create a rich canvas of possibilities. It’s only by doing this that we can arrive at a truly powerful idea that can have meaningful impact.
The Prototyping phase centers on repeated experimentation, user testing and feedback with the aim of testing one’s assumptions to improve the concept. A key mindset for this phase is to treat failure as a source of valuable information that can improve our offering. We need to exclaim “how fascinating” when we are presented with an unexpected outcome and incorporate them in our next iteration.
Scaling, the final phase, is about designing for scalability. To ensure that our new concept grows, spreads quickly, is adopted by many or goes viral. A key to succeeding at scaling involves nudging the system to create emergent patterns, leveraging networks and harnessing or fueling energy that already exists in the system. The key mindset in scaling is to be on the lookout for small, smart moves that can have an outsized effect on the success of your concept.
The innovation flow grants us permission to study a problem and truly understand it before solving it. It permits us to explore many solutions before settling on one. It lets us test a solution many times before implementing it in its perfect state. And finally, it allows us to integrate scaling tactics from the start.
How do you typically solve problems in your organization? And what can you gain by using the innovation flow?
For this and other perspectives on growing your leadership visit www.thnk.org
Narrated by Annemarie Steen
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Written and Directed by Rod Ben Zeev
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Animation by Sarah Nguyen
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Executive Produced by Mark Vernooij
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[@esteban.giancaterino]

Excellent !!