Fraud Blocker
Next Cohort Deadline June 22nd Apply Today
Next Cohort Deadline June 22nd Apply Today
post image
Meeting Culture | May 7, 2024

In the realm of product development, design thinking illuminates the path to innovation with its user-centered approach. This guide delves into the Test and Iterate phases, essential for refining solutions through real user feedback and continuous improvement. It covers the necessity of setting clear testing objectives, choosing the right testing methods, and the crucial role of prototyping. From conducting effective user testing sessions to synthesizing feedback for iterative design, this article provides comprehensive tools and strategies to enhance product development. It emphasizes the importance of a culture that embraces feedback, failure as learning, and iterative refinement, aiming to align solutions closely with user needs and increase product success.

post image
Meeting Culture | May 7, 2024

Design thinking revolutionizes problem-solving by focusing on user-centric, innovative solutions. This blog delves into the critical ideate and prototype stages, pivotal for transitioning from understanding user needs to creating viable products. We explore various ideation techniques like mind mapping and SCAMPER, emphasizing the importance of creativity and diverse thought, backed by studies from the Design Management Institute and insights from the Harvard Business Review. Tools like Miro and Mural enhance remote collaboration during these stages. We also cover prototyping, from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity digital mockups, and the importance of user involvement through techniques like A/B testing to refine these prototypes based on real-world feedback. This article is essential for those looking to integrate design thinking into their projects, highlighting the impact of structured creativity and user feedback in developing successful products.

post image
Meeting Culture | May 3, 2024

Design thinking centers on innovative solutions that genuinely meet user needs. This article explores the critical role of user research and validation in this process, explaining how they guide each stage—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test—to ensure solutions are user-focused and effective. It highlights best practices and various testing methods like usability tests, A/B testing, and interviews, offering a comprehensive look at integrating user feedback to refine products continuously. This approach not only fosters innovation but also ensures solutions are relevant and user-friendly.

post image

Explore the unique workshop "What's In The Soil?" led by Ozay Moore at the Facilitation Lab Summit. This session combined hip-hop culture with practical facilitation techniques, engaging participants in a dynamic exploration of community resources. Attendees participated in exercises mapping cultural assets and discussed the impact of local environments on community development. Ozay's innovative approach, using music to foster connection and creativity, made this workshop a highlight of the summit, offering fresh perspectives on community engagement and resource mapping.

post image
Meeting Culture | April 29, 2024

Discover the power of journey mapping in design thinking through our comprehensive guide. Journey mapping is an essential tool that provides a vivid narrative of a user's experience, capturing every interaction, emotion, and decision from the user's perspective. It helps designers and stakeholders understand the 'why' behind user behaviors, promoting innovative solutions tailored to real needs. Our guide delves into the best practices for creating effective journey maps and explores four key types—Current State, Day in the Life, Future State, and Service Blueprint. Each type offers unique insights, aiding everything from ongoing improvements to strategic planning. We also highlight the significant impact of customer experience on business success, with findings from a Forrester study linking superior CX to higher financial returns. Practical advice on starting with clear objectives, gathering comprehensive data, involving diverse stakeholders, and visualizing the entire user journey is provided to ensure your mapping efforts are successful.

post image
Meeting Culture | April 24, 2024

This article explores the dynamic process of concept development within design thinking, emphasizing best practices that align closely with user needs for impactful innovation. It delves into the stages of ideation from empathetic understanding to tangible solutions, highlighting the importance of empathy, divergent and convergent thinking, and iterative development. Key strategies include fostering a collaborative environment, embracing a user-centric approach, encouraging free ideation, and using visual thinking tools. The blog also discusses overcoming creative blocks, combating groupthink, and the significance of user feedback in refining concepts. Through a blend of creativity and pragmatism, it guides readers on transforming insights into innovative solutions that resonate and make a tangible impact.

post image
Podcast | April 23, 2024

In this episode of the Facilitation Lab podcast, Douglas Ferguson converses with Susan Wilson Go Lab about her evolution from a K-12 district administrator to an expert in educational leadership and facilitation. Susan delves into her career progression, the significance of adapting to different organizational cultures, and the patience needed for effective change facilitation. Her reflections offer valuable insights into the world of professional learning and the art of facilitation.

post image
Meeting Culture | April 22, 2024

Discover the power of iteration in design thinking through our comprehensive guide. Iteration is essential for refining solutions and overcoming challenges such as analysis paralysis, resistance to change, and feedback overload. Learn about the iterative cycle stages from brainstorming to refinement and implement best practices for fruitful iteration. Dive into low-fidelity prototyping, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and ensuring continuous improvement with a focus on user needs. This article explores the significant business value of design-led strategies, evidenced by companies outperforming the S&P 500 by 228%. Embrace the iterative journey and transform challenges into opportunities for innovation and improved project outcomes.