Design Dynamo
Complex and uncertain challenges require us to see, think, feel, and do in ways we never have before.
Human-centered, system-aware action evolves problems and challenges into opportunities.
The Design Dynamo helps us integrate and ignite cross-functional collaboration to activate on these opportunities.
Unify experts from across the enterprise, share a common story, and make together.
Generate value, reduce risk, and create better.
Use methods from design, business, engineering, anthropology, systems thinking, and personal mindfulness insight practices to face complexity iteratively. While many design and problem-solving frameworks are linear, the dynamo engages in circular recurring patterns to rally people, visulize systems, and implement change. Work with the whole person and the whole system. Challenges nearly always have people, technology, and system inputs and results. Here are some of the system and personal tools and methods.
Frame the challenge. Gather people and resources.
System activitiesContainer building Challenge brief How Might We statement Assumption gathering Iceberg model |
Internal activitiesBreath awareness Ten-minute mind 25/5 actions Stake, Impact, & Outcome |
Empathize with users & learn system dynamics.
System activitiesInterviews, surveys Ride alongs, shadowing Journals, sorting Empathy map Archetypes, personas System diagram |
Internal activitiesEmpathy walk Sensing journeys Body scanning Universal empathy map Seven generations activity |
Organize, themes, surface insights, & discover opportunities.
System activitiesAffinity maps Journey maps Insight stories Tree diagram How Might We revised 3D mapping, modeling |
Internal activitiesBody scanning Walking mindfulness Senses scavenger Journaling, sketching Excercise or dance |
Propose new ideas, fail often, & evaluate viability.
System activitiesLo-Fi, rapid prototype Service blueprint Value feasibility analysis Epics and definition of done User stories 4D mapping, Stuck practice |
Internal activitiesGenerative listening Body scanning Outdoor spaces Sketching and doodling |
Build, create, prototype, make.
System activitiesService blueprint Playable prototype MVP Alpha test Usability test Pilot |
Internal activitiesGifting and gratitude activity Circular breathing Laughing, sharing meals |
Test, train, document, and repeat.
System activitiesUser testing A/B test Hifi prototypes Beta test Training Documentation Marketing & Communications |
Internal activitiesBox breathing Body scanning Journaling Gratitude activities |
How might we use the Design Dynamo?
Share your challenge with me on LinkedIn and let’s find out.