Example Reflection – Learning Launch

The term design thinking was something I was constantly running into and although I made a mental note to learn more about it I put it in the back of my mind and kept forgetting about it. After finishing this course I am sorry it took me so long to get around to it. To say I enjoyed the course immensely is an understatement.

When faced with the final assignment my mind went blank until the moment I realized the serendipity of the position I found myself in.

Challange

As a designer and a comic strip creator, I was asked to ideate a comic strip character, for a series of comics that will be featured in a trade magazine with an educational purpose. The comic strip character should help raise awareness with higher management staff not willing to adjust to modern technology and business methods. In short the “Old school CEOs”.

The problem is how to ideate a character that will be likable but not offensive, but still impressive enough to attract attention and a following.

Selection After following the design thinking process and researching higher management personas, my proposal is that the best course of action is to do a learning launch. The purpose of a learning launch is to test the product or service before launching the finished product to the market allowing us to test the validity of the idea and the reaction of the market. As explained in the video Learning launch Tool in week 4 of the course.

In the case of the creation of a comic strip character, although not a typical product, all rules, and best practices apply.

The main purpose of this learning launch is to observe the reactions of the intended public and to see if the main purpose is achieved, that is that the character is not considered offensive and the educational lessons delivered through humor are well received.

Application

The process of this particular learning launch is quite simple, the chosen audience is given a few versions of the finished product to read after which they will answer a short survey and answer a few open-ended questions by the interviewer to collect impressions and comments. Assuming the audience receives one or all products, the comic strip can be prepared for publishing.

Design Thinking for Innovation, Iva Juric

Insight

If the acceptance is lacking then with the insights gained from the learning launch the ideation of the comic strip characters will start from the beginning and the process of the learning launch repeated

Approach

The process will start with ideating 3 sample characters with their own comic each consisting of a series of 7 comics to be shown to an audience consisting of at least 3 “ Old school CEO” personas with a total pool of 10-15 people. The reason why a few versions of the product are presented at the same learning launch is to come as close to a “winner” product as soon and as cheaply as possible.

Design Thinking for Innovation, Iva Juric

