1. Challenge & Selection

The challenge I am working on is multi-pronged and involves multiple stakeholders across  diverse business teams. First step was a unanimous & thorough understanding of the problem  statement and I used visualization for this purpose. I used Microsoft excel based data modelling  to arrive at chart/model that depicted the current state and future state given that we continue  with the same trend. During the initial phase of problem identification, it helped me significantly  to define the considerations, scope, goal statement, target metric, dependencies, milestones  etc. and allowed for a deep dive discussion with my stakeholders. For the discussion and  workshop with stakeholders, I also created a simulator (MS excel based) where they could test  out with a few levers to define the future state.

2. Application & Insight: I started by collecting and analyzing past data for a period of 5 years.

Based on my problem statement and scope, I zeroed in on relevant data points aka my ‘key  levers’ that defined my current state and would be critical in defining the future state as well. As  part of the analysis, I created a model/structure to understand the relationship between these  levers and identified the pain points across the period of 5 years. This helped me identify the  current trends and elements that impact my current state and things I need to predict a future  state.

The current challenge was across diverse stakeholders & businesses and having a shared  understanding of the problem was a critical starting point. Further, to drive this shared goal, I  organized a workshop. Keep the 4 stages of design thinking and outcomes in mind, I planned  the session such that we start with the ‘what is’ where one could refer the analysis and insights  drawn based on past data – understand the pain points, trends and key levers.

To carry out stage 2, ‘what if’, I built a simulator which the stakeholders had to use as part of the  workshop & group activity to brainstorm on options and alternatives. Simulator was designed  based on few key levers which was open for the groups to add their inputs & adjust based on  your brainstorming ideas/options. Considering these inputs, the simulator built a future state  model along with side-by-side comparison with as-is.

At the end of the group activity, each team presented their considerations, current and future  visual models. This visual aid, helped the groups to consider many possibilities, discuss,  discard and or accept ideas/options that we could take forward to the next stages.

