How can you use Lean Startup and Agile principles to design your Lean Six Sigma solution iteratively?

1 Lean Startup and Agile principles

Lean Startup and Agile are two approaches that emphasize learning, experimentation, and customer validation in product development. Lean Startup focuses on building a minimum viable product (MVP) that can be tested with real customers and iterated based on their feedback. Agile focuses on delivering working software in short cycles (sprints) that can be reviewed and improved by the team and the stakeholders. Both approaches aim to reduce risk, waste, and uncertainty by creating value for the customer and responding to change quickly.

2 LSS solution design process

The LSS solution design process follows the DMAIC framework: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. In each phase, you need to identify the problem, collect and analyze data, generate and test solutions, and implement and sustain improvements. However, this process can be linear and rigid, which may limit your creativity and flexibility. How can you apply Lean Startup and Agile principles to make your LSS solution design process more iterative and adaptive?

3 Define phase

In the Define phase, you need to understand the customer's needs, expectations, and pain points, as well as the scope and goals of your project. Instead of relying on assumptions or opinions, you can use Lean Startup and Agile principles to validate your problem statement and value proposition with real customers. You can conduct interviews, surveys, or experiments to test your hypotheses and learn from customer feedback. You can also use tools like the Lean Canvas or the Value Proposition Canvas to map out your key assumptions and metrics.

4 Measure phase

In the Measure phase, you need to collect and analyze data to quantify the current performance of your process and identify the root causes of variation and defects. Instead of collecting all the data upfront, you can use Lean Startup and Agile principles to prioritize the most critical data and metrics that will help you validate your solution. You can use tools like the Build-Measure-Learn loop or the Experiment Board to design and run experiments that will test your solution hypotheses and measure your outcomes.

5 Analyze phase

In the Analyze phase, you need to use data and statistical tools to verify the root causes of the problem and generate potential solutions. Instead of jumping to the first or best solution, you can use Lean Startup and Agile principles to generate multiple solutions and evaluate them based on customer feedback and value. You can use tools like the Pivot or Persevere technique or the Solution Prioritization Matrix to compare and rank your solutions based on their feasibility, desirability, and viability.

6 Improve phase

In the Improve phase, you need to implement and test your selected solution to verify its effectiveness and efficiency. Instead of implementing a large-scale or final solution, you can use Lean Startup and Agile principles to build a minimum viable solution (MVS) that can be tested with real customers and iterated based on their feedback. You can use tools like the MVP or the Prototype to create a low-cost or low-fidelity version of your solution that can deliver value and elicit learning.

7 Control phase

In the Control phase, you need to monitor and control your improved process to ensure its stability and sustainability. Instead of relying on a fixed or static control plan, you can use Lean Startup and Agile principles to create a dynamic and adaptive control plan that can respond to changing customer needs and feedback. You can use tools like the Control Chart or the Feedback Loop to track and measure your key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust your solution accordingly.

8 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?