Innovation Safari

What is this method about?

A observational research activity that stimulates new ideas and new ways of thinking about goal or challenge. The activity immerses team members in whatever specific environment is most relevant to achieving the goal or overcoming the challenge.

Why use it

This activity allows organizations to directly observe, interact with, and learn from their customers, competitors or industry-leading organizations—providing organizations and development teams with new insights into customer needs, process solutions or best practices within their industry. When to use During development of new products and services. The activity can also be useful when looking for new market opportunities or when faced with organizational challenges that require a new approach to solutions.

When should I use it?

Whenever a team needs fresh ideas or inspiration for a challenge, usually early in a project before concepts are generated and when the team would benefit from seeing real environments first-hand.

What you get

The team will make new observations about—and gain a deeper insight into— the chosen subject(s). The team will generate new ideas about how to achieve the goal or conquer the challenge. The results might also be used in a GAP analysis to identify what must be done to ensure that the new ideas are implemented.

At a glance

• Time: Long
• Effort: Medium
• Cost: Medium

Materials

• Markers/felt tips
• Whiteboard
• Sticky notes
• Software to document workshop discussions

Who is involved

• Business Unit Leaders (as researchers)
• Customers (Research subjects/businesses)