Notes on Process.
To maximize our chances of success, I developed a 7-stage creative process. It is key to organizing my work and – the work of others – across domains and disciplines.
The 7-stage process I use to meet, and exceed, customer expectations.
1. Investigate.
The process starts with research: workshops, reading, data collection, interviews – whatever it takes to understand customer problems and desires. This ensures that customer need and aspiration guides the entire process.
2. Vision.
Imagine and define successful outcomes, and how that success can be measured. The vision works with the project constraints and is stated as a simple premise sentence – to inspire and organize efforts towards clear goals..
3. Obstacles.
Investigate factors that could prevent successful outcomes – whether human, technological, political. We’re getting fuzzy here. A big question is which obstacles can – and cannot – be anticipated?
4. Focus.
This is where we turn insights into strategy, and strategy into specific action steps, deliverables, and timelines.
5. Iterate.
This is where the craft of design happens. We design, test, redesign and redefine.
6. Delivery.
As delivery deadlines approach, execution and detail come to the fore. Ongoing efforts to ensure technical excellence and adherence to the strategy and insights, and adjust to new inputs.
7. Review.
Gather feedback from customers, clients and co-creators. Honestly and accurately measure the success of the project. Learn lessons, improve and optimize.
These steps aid collaboration and ensure everyone is aligned on objectives, strategy, and details. The point is to ensure that customer needs and aspirations guide the entire process.
I often work in small teams (leading people with different knowledge and experiences), so I need a simple framework that no-one needs to learn or think about too much. I am also very flexible in using different methodologies – whatever works best.
Case study: ‘Isolation Retreat’ Course design
An unusual task. One of Europe’s largest spiritual schools asked for help in redesigning one of their courses. Their Isolation Retreat is a one-week meditation in darkness and silence. The aim is that (while deprived of distraction and sensory inputs) the student can discover their life purpose
The following document shows how I use my 7 step process to structure my work on the project, the course itself, and the student’s journey during and after the retreat. This is a work in a process. I signed an NDA so details are redacted. I include it because it shows that the process is highly adaptable and can be used on non-standard design projects. More details to follow.