Solution Approach

Solution Approach

Approach Overview

Our tailored approach references leading methods and practices to deliver quality business outcomes. The end-to-end solution life-cycle is covered using a combination of Design Thinking, Lean, Agile and Growth Hacking methodologies. Simplified in the image below, the process is generally non-linear and is tailored based on client requirements.

Design Thinking

Design Thinking is a leading human-centric approach for exploring problems and identifying innovative solutions. The methodology focuses on developing a thorough upfront understanding of the intended users of the solution. It involves conducting research, building empathy with users, developing a clear understanding of the problem and using these inputs to identity a range of creative solutions. These solutions are then tested iteratively to identify the most suitable for implementation. The approach includes the following key elements:

  • Empathise – Research the problem and place yourself in the user’s shoes to understand what they do, say, think and feel.
  • Define – Synthesize the research and define the problem, identify what the users are experiencing and what needs to be addressed.
  • Ideate – Develop as many innovative ideas as possible, challenge the status quo and assumptions using a range of techniques.
  • Prototype – Design and build a prototype of one or more ideas to test all or part of the solution with others.
  • Test – Test the prototype with users, gather feedback and evolve the solution, iterating through the cycle.

 

Lean Start-up

Lean Start-up is a method for developing businesses, products and services. It aims to shorten product development cycles by adopting a combination of business-hypothesis-driven experimentation and validated learning.

A core principle of the approach is iterative solutions development to meet the needs of early customers.  This improves overall solution development effectiveness, reduces market risk and avoids product development failures.

The process involves creating and testing hypotheses by building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The MVP includes a core set of features that enables potential customers to test and provide feedback. The final, complete set of features is designed and developed after considering all the feedback. The aim is to continuously improve the solution so that it delivers exactly what customers require. If the MVP does not meet expectations then a ‘pivot’ or course correction is made to test a new hypothesis. The approach includes the following key elements:

  • Plan – Develop the hypothesis, define the idea to test and what needs to be learned.
  • Build – Create a MVP that is limited to the core set of features necessary to test the hypothesis.
  • Measure – Measure the MVP feedback results, validate the hypothesis, interest in the solution and associated capability to deliver.
  • Learn – Learn from results and decide whether to pursue or pivot.
 

Agile

Agile solution development is delivered in small increments ideally conducted by cross-functional teams. The value delivered by each increment is prioritised with high value features being planned upfront. Solution development work is conducted in iterations or sprints typically of short duration. At the end of an iteration, the prototype or MVP is demonstrated to stakeholders for review and feedback. The review feedback provides the primary input for subsequent iterations. This flexible approach allows for adaption while reducing delivery risk. The approach includes the following key elements

  • Increments – Deliver the solution in smaller units, prioritised based on business value.
  • Iterations – Execute single short development cycles, usually measured in days or weeks.
  • Testing & Feedback – Test iteration outputs to provide quick feedback and resolution.

 

Growth Hacking

Growth hacking is a mindset and approach focused on business growth as the primary measure of performance. The approach includes rapid experimentation and feedback across marketing channels, market segments and product development to identify and execute strategies for business growth.

Growth hacking focuses on engaging and building audiences at all the stages of marketing funnel using a range of techniques. The core concept of growth hacking is a process of continuously experimenting to scale exponentially. Growth hypotheses are developed and experiments conducted with results providing quick feedback to validate impact. Where successful, experiments are executed on scale and results tracked. The approach includes the following key elements:

  • Experiments – Conduct analytic data driven tests to validate the growth hypotheses.
  • Growth Channels – Identify channels having the best potential to drive business growth.
  • Offer & Product Enhancement- Enhance solutions based on feedback from growth experiments.
  • Pirate Metrics – Track key measures of growth – Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Referral and Revenue (AARRR).
  • Innovation Accounting – Define, measure and communicate the progress of innovation.

In summary, Design Thinking assists in understanding problems and coming up with great ideas to solve them. Lean Start-up helps convert those ideas into sustainable business models that deliver consistently. Agile delivers what customers want through ongoing feedback and adaptation, and Growth Hacking is focused on driving exponential growth to maximise business value.