Valeryia Smirnova’s Post

Design thinking workshops are all the rage—but are they really effective? 🤔 I’ve seen companies pour resources into flashy workshops with sticky notes galore, only to have the outcomes gather dust afterward. Here’s why they often fail: • Lack of Clear Objectives: Workshops become aimless activities without specific goals. • Poor Facilitation: Unskilled facilitators can’t steer productive discussions. • No Follow-Through: Ideas generated aren’t implemented or revisited. To make them worthwhile: • Define clear goals upfront • Ensure skilled facilitation • Create an action plan for implementation Otherwise, it’s just theatre without substance. Have you participated in a fruitless design thinking workshop? What would have made it better?

Are you tired of workshops that feel like monotonous lectures? 😴 Imagine a workshop that puts you at the center of the action, challenges you to think outside the box, and equips you with tools to generate innovative solutions. 💡 That's the promise of a well-structured Design Thinking workshop, but many end up being ineffective, without generating tangible results. What if I told you there's a complete guide to structuring Design Thinking workshops that truly drive creativity, collaboration, and innovation? 🚀 In this article, you'll discover best practices to create a dynamic and engaging workshop, from defining the objective and target audience to mastering facilitation techniques and essential tools. Get ready to transform your workshops into learning and innovation experiences! But before we dive into this universe, tell me: have you ever participated in a workshop that truly inspired you to take action and generate results? 🤔 Keep reading to find out how to create workshops that turn ideas into real solutions! Unlocking the Power of Design Thinking: A Journey from Problem to Solution In a world of constant transformation, the ability to innovate and solve problems creatively and efficiently is crucial. Design Thinking emerges as a powerful methodology, placing the user at the center of the process and seeking innovative solutions to their challenges. Think of a complex challenge your company faces - it could be the need to improve the customer experience, develop a new product or service, or optimize an internal process. Instead of following traditional approaches, which often get lost in endless analyses and obvious solutions, Design Thinking proposes a structured journey in stages, alternating moments of divergence and convergence, exploring the problem in depth and generating innovative solutions. I remember a challenging project I faced early in my career, where the team needed to develop an innovative solution to improve internal communication in a large corporation. Traditional communication tools weren't effective, and the team was unmotivated and struggling to collaborate. By adopting Design Thinking, we were able to map the user journey, identify the main friction points, and prototype creative solutions that were later tested and implemented successfully in a two-day workshop. But how does Design Thinking, by itself, translate into effective workshops? That's where the importance of facilitation comes in. A skilled facilitator acts as a conductor, guiding the group through the different stages of the process, using tools and dynamics that stimulate creativity, collaboration, and communication. Throughout this article, we will explore in detail the key elements of a successful Design Thinking workshop, providing practical tips and actionable strategies. #designthinking #workshops #innovation #creativity #facilitation #problem-solving #user-centered #brainstorming #prototyping #innovationculture

Why are designers so obsessed with workshops and sticky notes? Because designers don’t just make things – they inject energy and get things moving! ✨ Workshops are a great tool for breaking out of ruts and routines. They get people away from their desks, into new spaces, and unlock new ways of thinking. They introduce an element of fun and play which can help everyone loosen up and be more creative, including engineers and product managers. Now, we know what you’re thinking: I like my routines! I don’t want to be made to have fun! Well, skilled workshop facilitators know how to nudge people out of their comfort zones without making them *uncomfortable*. And the feedback for our workshops is always great, even from people who might have started the day, let’s be honest, in a bit of a sulk. We’ve got lots of tricks and templates in our toolbox, for both in-person and remote workshops. Get in touch with Terry Dixon for an informal chat about how we might be able to help your organisation. [Image description: A whiteboard covered in sticky notes with a person pointing at one of the notes.] #workshopping #ProductManagement #ServiceDesign

7 Key Ingredients for a Successful Workshop Running engaging and productive workshops is both an art and a science. Whether you’re facilitating Design Thinking, brainstorming, or strategy development sessions, certain key ingredients can make all the difference. Here are 7 essential tips to ensure your workshops are a success: 1. Start with a Warm-Up Activity: Set the scene with a simple, engaging warm-up activity. This helps break the ice and ensures everyone feels comfortable and ready to participate. A relaxed atmosphere encourages creativity and collaboration. 2. Clear Objectives: Start with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. What are the desired outcomes of the workshop? This will guide your design and keep the session focused. 3. Active Participation: Create opportunities for all participants to contribute. Use techniques like breakouts or interactive tools to keep everyone engaged. 4. Structured Activities: Plan activities that are purposeful and align with your objectives. Techniques like empathy mapping, ideation, or prototyping can help generate creative ideas and solutions. 5. Timekeeping: Use a timer to stay on track. Time management is key to maintaining energy levels and ensuring all activities are covered without feeling rushed. A timer helps keep discussions focused and ensures you respect participants' time. 6. Diverse Perspectives: Bring together diverse viewpoints to enrich the conversation. This can lead to new ideas, uncovering blind spots, and achieving more robust outcomes. 7. Encourage Reflection: Give participants time to reflect on what they’ve learned and share their insights. This helps consolidate learning and ensures actionable takeaways. At DalRae Solutions, we use these ingredients to facilitate workshops that foster creativity, alignment, and real business impact. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Let’s connect! Reach out to our sales team and explore how we can help empower your business! #SAPAppHausNetwork #DalRaeWay #DesignThinking #StrategyDevelopment

Learnings from my coaching & mentorship sessions, I recognize how many designers hold on so tightly to the "Perfect design process" (hint: this process does'nt exist) If you have ever felt like design school didn't quite prepare you for the chaotic world of real product design? You're not alone. While frameworks, methodologies, and processes are great for learning the ropes, they often paint an unrealistic picture of a neat and tidy design process. In this article I share practical tips that help you break the rules of perfect process and leverage your know how to get results with your teams. NOW https://lnkd.in/e_VXRTxZ

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽? Some days ago, Vitaly Friedman shared an article by Slava Shestopalov that highlighted an excellent overview of workshop methods, canvases, and tools, and it really resonated with me. As designers, we’re often tasked with facilitating workshops regularly and we are also expected to ensure meaningful outcomes. So what is the next big challenge after a successful workshop? How do we bring the post-its, dots and all the creative scribbles to life? Reflecting on my own workshop experiences over the past few years, here are a few key insights I’d like to share on how to turn ideas into actionable results: 1. 📌𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀📌 During the workshop or a brief follow-up session. Agree on the specific tasks you’ll take forward from the session. 2. 👉𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽👈 Assign responsible individuals to the identified tasks and set clear timelines to ensure accountability. 3. 🧪𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲🧪 Tangible results keep everyone motivated. Try implementing a small experiment before the next workshop - whether it’s a new template, meeting format, or a mini research study. 4. 🗓️𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲🗓️ Integrate the workshop outcomes into your existing workflows. For example, you could regularly revisit the user journey map you created during sprint or period planning sessions. 5. 📣𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹📣 Create a dedicated communication channel to track progress and share updates. Use this space to gather feedback on workshop results and continuously refine your approach. Workshops are not just a space for creative thinking - they're an opportunity to build relationships and create lasting impact. The real value of a workshop is realized when we turn ideas into action and keep the conversation going. #cocreation #workshopfacilitation #teamwork 

Bad working practices have a high cost! 📈 They might be outdated or they might just be... bad! When we keep using these ways of working, here's what ends up happening: ❌ Organisations struggle to adapt to change ❌ Resources and time are wasted ❌ Opportunities are missed ❌ Slower decision-making ❌ Problems persist or go unresolved Luckily, we've got the antidote - DESIGN THINKING and VISUAL THINKING! Design Thinking is about putting the HUMAN at the centre of all problem-solving to come up with the best solutions there are. Visual facilitation is about being able to visualise your work in simple pictures - that anyone (yes - even YOU) can draw and understand. Here’s what happens when you combine them... ✅ Build what people really WANT ✅ Think up outside-the-box IDEAS ✅ Solve problems FAST ✅ SAVE time and money ✅ Create NEXT-LEVEL solutions We've teamed up with Solved Together to bring you a 2.5 hour hands-on remote workshop “Design Thinking x Visual Thinking: Tired to Fired Up”, where we will explore both disciplines by walking you through the process of designing your own product, and more! 🍏 Marcus de Vale 🍏 and Rujuta Singh are excited to be your trainers on Tuesday 25th June at 4.30pm UK Time - head to the link below to find out more and sign up 🌟 Psst! You don't need to be able to draw 😉 https://lnkd.in/e_d_a48Z #designthinking #visualthinking #vizthink #workshop

Understanding your audience's feelings and challenges is the key to creating meaningful solutions. That’s why design thinking starts with empathy. Book our organizational training to gain a clear understanding of design thinking and how to apply it effectively. https://lnkd.in/g9TtHv8C

Returning to a theme that I’ve posted about in the past: co-creation and how to create and hold space for it. Skilled process designers and facilitators know that the first step is shifting conventional frames of reference - getting workshop participants out of their respective comfort zones. For many of us, a favorite comfort is our knowledge, and accumulated expertise. These comforts both define and limit us. Co-creation happens best when we step out of our customary roles – entering a curious, open-minded, and playful state. I like to remind workshop participants that, if they suddenly realize they’re having fun, that it’s okay, anticipated, and integral to a successful outcome. If no one is having fun – we’ve got either poor workshop design and/or facilitation, or resistant participants – unwilling or unable to set aside their knowledge, expertise, and organizational status. Working together, outside of our collective comfort zones, yields insights, frames powerful problem statements, and highlights a multitude of paths forward. The less tangible achievement – but no less significant – is the creation and strengthening of bonds between all participants formed by working together in this way. Wise designers see the benefits of being a participant in workshop activities to nurture this bond, rather than steering the process as the traditional designer’s role would dictate. Project teams – clients and designers alike – must begin their shared journey connected and trusting. This allows them to work in concert, capable of altering direction and approach in response to the emergent and previously unseen risks and opportunities. In a time of massive change and disruption, this may be the single most important factor driving a successful outcome. Teams lacking this capacity proceed at their own peril. www.preferredfutures.pro

I joined to Dee Scarano's workshop facilitation webinar because I am specifically interested in the topic - but really I think those tips are useful for any design professional! Her notion on how to always adapt based on the context is universal and it reminds me of something I realised last year when working on something totally different - a research project that led me to rethink the Jobs to be Done framework. Are the best practices or frameworks you're following limiting you or leading to an incomplete outcome? Why not adapt them. They should be used as support and guide, not a rigid set of rules. Same idea can be applied in product design all the time. Thanks for the free insightful session 🥸