I’m not creative, I can’t draw!”
That is a question we’re often greeted with at The Ideas Facility. It’s usually followed closely, by ‘I don’t know where to start’ or ‘We don’t have time to be creative in this organisation’.
In terms of creativity, it can be about process, and process can be applied to ideas generation – and equally, their execution – an ideas facility if you like.
For us, we bring a mix of five key components, that come into play at various degrees to bring ideas to life. These apply to any form of idea generation and delivery, as our clients – who span private, public and the charity sectors have found.
The five components we bring are:
Creative problem solving
We utilise the Creative Problem-Solving process, introducing a model and tools to balance divergent and convergent thinking. The positivity of the approach helps address change in your organisation, by establishing a climate that encourages the release and development of creativity and a problem-solving capability.
Design thinking
Design Thinking is primarily a user-centred methodology. By putting people at the heart of problem-solving, it adheres to the principle that good design solutions must meet the needs of the user. Through collaboration, encouraging experimentation and prototyping, we help test ideas quickly.
Business thinking
We integrate business principles, processes, and models to help clients navigate change. By bringing acumen and rigour, we ensure creativity has a place in business. By introducing real-life examples of brands and products that are led by creativity, many organisations are now seeing the business benefits of a design and creatively led strategy.
Brand expression
People believe in brands that are driven by Purpose. They are authentic and communicate on an emotional level. This creates empathy and a desire for loyalty – assuming of course, that ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ are met. It is these values-led characteristics we overlay onto our work in helping organisations develop their vision and strategy.
Coaching
Coaching helps in pulling it all together. We believe coaching is a methodology of change, helping to guide attention and giving meaning beyond current state or thinking. The integration of these five elements helps address challenges, identify options, and help in directing action towards a desired outcome.
So, what’s different?
It’s how the five components come together quite seamlessly that can make a difference to many business contexts. For us, it’s all about developing a sense of curiosity, whilst having the confidence to act bravely. These attributes describe organisations that know how to differentiate themselves, build value and enjoy competitive advantage.
So, how do I get started?
It usually starts with a conversation. By welcoming creative challenge before embarking on a project, the benefits will be realised as the project unfolds. Both qualitative and quantitative impacts can be demonstrated and measured by establishing what success will look like at the start of the process.
What can organisations take away
Just ask us. We are happy to discuss opportunities where you feel creativity needs to be unlocked within your team or broader organisation.
Interested in developing a Design Thinking led approach?
Let’s start that conversation.
Contact: glenn@theideasfacility.com
Visit our website to see what our clients say about how us.