Ideas Hub
Company: Nomative
Date: Sept 2015 – Feb 2017
Location: Bizkaia, Spain
Metodology: Design Thinking
Role: Project Manager and Founder
Team Size: 18
The Project
KREAKTIVITY Idea Hub is an innovation consultancy that leverages design thinking methodologies to assist businesses and organizations in adapting to change, enhancing key aspects, and finding creative solutions to specific challenges.
Scope: This project focused on establishing an innovative hub aimed at fostering creativity and innovation. Founded in 2015 with an initial team of 4 individuals, I led the initiative to create a center dedicated to generating, developing, and implementing disruptive ideas. Through a structured approach, it facilitated continuous innovation, transforming imafinative concepts into practica, impactful solutions.
Highlighted Projects
Project: Strategic Transformation
Customer: Gym Level 3
In response to the challenges posed by Gym Level 3, a strategic project was undertaken that encompassed various key aspects of its operations. With the goal of attracting new generations of clients and addressing challenges in marketing, social media, and internal events, the team faced the tasks of acquiring new customers, motivating the gym team, and fostering loyalty among existing members and facilities.
To comprehensively address this project, an 18-person multidisciplinary team organized a hackathon. Leveraging the diversity of knowledge and perspectives, several brainstorming sessions were conducted to foster the generation of bold and creative ideas.
Throughout the process, a thorough analysis of the gym facilities was conducted, along with interviews with both current and potential future clients. This research allowed for the identification of differences between the demands of these clients and the current offerings of the gym.
The Scamper methodology, combined with brainstorming, facilitated the stimulation of ideas and alternative approaches. By segmenting these ideas into relevant themes, the most promising ones were selected for further development.
A comprehensive proposal addressing each of the challenges outlined was presented to Gym Level 3. Innovative solutions included marketing strategies targeted at new generations, enhancements to social media for increased visibility, and proposals for internal events actively engaging clients.
The client’s feedback was highly positive, leading to the hiring of colleagues to execute the implementation of the ideas.
Project: 200 Promotional Video Ideas
Customer: HobbieSpot
HobbieSpot is a platform dedicated to bringing people together around their hobbies and interests, enabling them to share in-person experiences through events and digital content. Its mission is to create virtual communities that transcend the physical world, promoting fun, the discovery of new hobbies, and connections between individuals.
The challenge faced in this project was the creation of 200 ideas for promotional videos. The goal was to capture the vibrant essence of HobbieSpot, emphasizing its ability to unite people around their passions and offer unique experiences. Additionally, the aim was to convey the platform’s significance in people’s lives by revaluing their relationships, fostering the transition from the virtual to the physical world, and providing memorable moments.
The process began by thoroughly understanding the needs, desires, and expectations of the target audience. In-depth research into current trends in marketing and communication, particularly regarding audiences interested in hobbies and community activities, was conducted.
Various approaches were explored to communicate HobbieSpot’s value proposition. From conceptualizing stories to creating impactful visual messages, each idea was carefully designed to convey the brand’s essence as a platform that connects people through shared interests.
Upon completion of this process, each idea underwent rigorous analysis to ensure alignment with HobbieSpot’s core values. This meticulous approach to idea generation and selection not only resulted in a robust set of proposals that captivated the client but also established a solid foundation for an ongoing collaborative relationship, allowing for continued co-creation in future projects.
Project: Entreprenurial Reintegration: Bridging Gaps in Inmate Employment Integration
Customer: Acebuche Penitentiary Center
The collaboration with Acebuche Penitentiary Center aimed to address a fundamental challenge: the employment integration of individuals in prison, particularly through self-employment. This initiative sought to provide meaningful opportunities to reintegrate individuals into society, utilizing entrepreneurship as a means to empower them and facilitate their transition to the workforce outside of prison.
The challenge was further complicated as a concerning pattern was observed: many inmates initiated entrepreneurial projects within the prison, participated in workshops, and acquired valuable skills. However, upon release, these projects often fell by the wayside, and the acquired skills did not translate into real opportunities once outside of prison. The task was to find a solution that bridged this gap, allowing entrepreneurial projects born in prison to thrive once individuals regained their freedom, contributing to their reintegration and success in the workforce.
To achieve this, an exhaustive analysis of the inmates was conducted to understand their skills, interests, experiences, and challenges. Simultaneously, existing entrepreneurial systems that had demonstrated success in the workforce reintegration of individuals with criminal backgrounds were examined.
The definition stage was crucial. Key issues hindering the employment integration of inmates were identified. Internal and external barriers they faced when establishing themselves independently were thoroughly explored. This phase required a deep analysis of the needs, expectations, and limitations of inmates, as well as a detailed understanding of the job market and available entrepreneurial opportunities.
Subsequently, concrete solutions addressing the identified problems were developed. Prototypes of the most promising ideas were created, constantly refining each concept to make it feasible and viable in the context of inmates’ workforce reintegration. Close collaboration with entrepreneurship experts and reintegration professionals ensured that the solutions aligned with best practices and real market opportunities.
Finally, a comprehensive document summarizing the solutions, strategies, and recommendations for employment integration through self-employment was presented. The Design Thinking approach served as the foundation of the proposal, allowing for the innovative and holistic tackling of this complex challenge.
Project: Futuristic Hotel Room Design
Customer: Helia University
Haaga-Helia University in Finland presented the challenge of designing a futuristic and innovative hotel room. The task was to create a space that would provide a unique and cutting-edge experience for guests, leveraging the latest trends in technology, comfort, and design.
To tackle this challenge, a detailed analysis of existing rooms in the world’s most modern and futuristic hotels was initiated. Features were studied, strengths were identified, and deficiencies or areas requiring improvement were pinpointed.
Subsequently, the focus shifted to identifying the most significant deficiencies and key points essential for achieving a truly innovative result. Areas where a distinctive impact could be made and an unparalleled experience could be provided to guests were identified.
The generation of wild and creative ideas was encouraged to explore all possibilities. The objective was to break away from the conventional and conceive solutions that truly stood out.
A fundamental aspect of the approach was maintaining open communication with the client throughout each project phase. Feedback was attentively listened to, and suggestions were considered to ensure that the final solution was genuinely satisfying for them. This ongoing collaboration allowed adjustments to the design and process, ensuring that the futuristic hotel room being created exceeded expectations.
Project: Attracting A Younger Target
Customer: Larruzz Rice Restaurant
Close collaboration was established with a rice restaurant located in a prime position in Bilbao that aimed to attract a younger audience. Despite its strategic location, the majority of its clientele fell within the 40 to 60 age range, posing a challenge in drawing a younger and dynamic crowd. To address this challenge, a customer acquisition strategy was designed, leveraging key points in the area, such as the university and nightclubs.
The strategy focused on two main pillars: collaboration with the local university and the creation of thematic events. Partnerships were forged with the university to draw in students and faculty to the rice restaurant, offering special discounts and exclusive promotions. Thematic events were also organized to appeal to a younger audience, including live music nights, tasting events, and special promotions during nightclub hours in the vicinity.
The detailed strategy was presented to the rice restaurant, highlighting how each element aligned with its goal of attracting a younger audience. The proposal emphasized the creation of memorable experiences and the building of a lasting relationship with this key demographic.
The strategy enabled the rice restaurant to capitalize on its strategic location and connect with an audience that was not effectively targeted before. This project showcased how a well-focused customer acquisition strategy, grounded in a deep understanding of the audience, can yield tangible results.
ROLE
Key
Responsibilities
As an entrepreneur and project manager at Kreaktivity, I played a multifaceted and pivotal role in directing and executing our innovation consultancy projects. My primary responsibilities spanned from conceiving innovative ideas to the final delivery of solutions. Below, I outline my key roles and responsibilities:
💡 Ideation and Creative Development : Engaged in the conceptualization of creative solutions for challenges posed by clients. Applied Design Thinking techniques, market analysis, and creative approaches to propose fresh and effective solutions.
👥 Team Leadership: Assembled and led a team of talented professionals, ensuring alignment with objectives and commitment to delivering exceptional results. Cultivated a collaborative environment where everyone could contribute their unique perspectives.
📊 Planning and Strategy: Directed strategic planning for each project, defining objectives, establishing milestones, and developing effective strategies to address challenges presented by clients. Ensured each project had a solid structure to maximize impact.
🚀 Project Management: Oversaw project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines, appropriate resource allocation, and seamless communication with clients. Monitored progress and took corrective measures when necessary to ensure successful delivery.
💬 Client Interaction: Maintained close communication with clients, understanding their needs, concerns, and objectives. Presented proposals, updates, and solutions, ensuring satisfaction with services and willingness to continue collaborating.
🌟 Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Fostered a culture of innovation within the team and project approach. Actively sought opportunities to enhance processes, implement new techniques, and learn from each experience to deliver even more impactful solutions.
📈 Results Analysis: Measured the impact and success of each project, evaluating the effectiveness of solutions and how they aligned with client objectives. Used these analyses to provide feedback on approaches and seek improvement opportunities for future projects.
RISKS
Risk Assessment
01- Lack of Clarity in Client Objectives
Identified Risk
We recognized this risk during the initial phase by noting that the client’s expectations were not entirely clear.
Approach
We implemented more robust communication and established regular meetings with the client to ensure that our solutions were aligned with their objectives. We used visual examples and prototypes to verify mutual understanding.
Impact
Early detection and effective communication minimized alignment issues, avoiding extensive revisions and ensuring client satisfaction. Additionally, it allowed us to build a stronger relationship with the client based on transparency.
02- Internal Change Resistance
Identified Risk
This risk pertained to potential internal resistance from the client’s teams to new ideas or proposed solutions. Lack of acceptance could slow down the successful implementation of solutions and hinder adoption.
Approach
Acknowledging this concern, in some cases, we collaborated with the client’s internal teams. We involved them in the design and development process of solutions, sharing the rationale behind new ideas. We emphasized the benefits of the proposed solutions and demonstrated how they would address existing challenges.
Impact
By actively addressing resistance to change, we gradually gained acceptance and support from internal teams. Implementation became smoother, and there was increased commitment from the client to adopt the solutions, leading to a successful transition to new ideas.
03- Lack of Internal Client Collaboration
Identified Risk
This risk focused on the possibility that the client might not actively collaborate or share relevant information, potentially slowing down the flow of vital information for the project and causing delays.
Approach
To address this risk, we established efficient and regular communication channels with the client. We kept the client informed about our progress, challenges, and information needs. We identified a key point of contact within the client’s organization, making it easier to obtain necessary information and address any obstacles to internal collaboration.
Impact
By overcoming barriers to internal collaboration, we ensured that the flow of essential information was not hindered. The project could progress efficiently, and timely information allowed for high-quality outcomes. Strong collaboration with the client ensured a successful implementation and increased client satisfaction.
Design Thinking
Kreaktivity relies on the Design Thinking methodology as a central approach to address innovation projects. This methodology seamlessly aligns with their philosophy of generating creative ideas and effective solutions for challenges posed by clients. Every step of the Design Thinking process is employed in all projects undertaken, ensuring a user-centric approach, innovative idea generation, and successful implementation of solutions.
❤️ Empathy
Understanding the Needs and Desires of the Client. For each project, the approach started by delving into the client’s perspective. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of their goals, challenges, and the expectations they held for the final outcome. Through interviews, research, and observations, a profound understanding of the client’s needs and the individuals to be impacted by the solutions was achieved.
🔍 Definition
Refining and Defining the Problem. In this stage, a sprint was planned to work on concept validation and ensure its viability. Activities such as interviews with potential brands, investors, and prospective clients were included. The feedback gathered during this sprint was crucial for making adjustments and improvements to the concept before proceeding.
💡 Ideation
Generating Creative Ideas and Solutions. Once the concept was validated, a series of sprints was planned for project execution. Each sprint had a duration of two weeks. During each sprint, the team focused on specific tasks, such as space design and construction, brand selection and negotiation, implementation of the marketing strategy, among others. At the end of each sprint, progress was reviewed, and the Backlog was adjusted based on changing priorities and newly identified needs..
🔨 Prototyping
Turning Ideas Into Tangible Solutions. Approaching the opening date, a final sprint was planned for the last preparations and details. During this sprint, performance tests, simulations with customers, and final adjustments were conducted to ensure everything was ready for the opening. Additionally, at this stage, the team prepared a final report to assess performance and results compared to the initially set objectives.
📓 Testing
Testing and Learning from Solutions. Following the opening, a retrospective sprint was organized to analyze the results and insights gained throughout the project. The team reviewed the successes and challenges encountered, identifying practices that performed well and areas for improvement in future projects. The insights obtained during this sprint were documented for application in future projects, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes.
🚀 Implementation
Bringing Solutions to Reality. After the opening, a retrospective sprint was organized to analyze the results and insights gained throughout the project. The team reviewed the successes and challenges encountered, identifying practices that performed well and areas for improvement in future projects. The insights obtained during this sprint were documented for application in future projects, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes.
Key Takeaways
🌟 Diversity Holds the Magic
Engaging in brainstorming sessions with a diverse team of 18 individuals, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives, has been an enlightening lesson in my role as a top-tier Project Manager. This experience has taught me to appreciate the wealth that diversity of perspectives brings. I’ve found that the most innovative ideas often emerge at the intersection of different viewpoints.
Presently, I actively seek out diverse opinions, considering them as an invaluable source of fresh ideas and creative solutions in any professional context. This learning has strengthened my belief that collaboration with diverse minds drives excellence.
In the current landscape, I find it crucial to surround myself with diverse individuals who stimulate my thought process, both in the professional realm and in my personal life. I firmly believe that this practice is essential for growth, both personally and professionally. The synergy created by diversity is, to me, a fundamental key to achieving new levels of success in project management.
⛰️ Get out of the office
I’ve come to appreciate the paradoxical nature of ideation—where the best ideas often manifest in unexpected moments, a delicate interplay of truth and unpredictability.
In the realm of stimulating creativity, the active inquiry and a defined focus are essential. Merely relying on the serendipity of inspiration during routine activities proves insufficient. The questions posed act as a magnetic force, attracting the sought-after answers.
Once these thought-provoking questions are in place, venturing beyond the typical workspace becomes crucial. In our distinguished project, we discerned that many of our most innovative ideas originated outside the conventional work environment.
Our approach to brainstorming involved dynamic methods and engaging games. Recognizing that ideas seldom flourish in conventional, protracted meetings unless well-prepared, we embraced flexibility in our work environment. In the contemporary landscape, the ability to adapt the workspace is paramount. The liberty to work seamlessly both within and beyond the office emerges as a catalyst for heightened productivity.
Through our journey, we’ve gleaned that rigid 8-hour workdays don’t always yield the most profound productivity. Instead, the fertile ground for creativity and innovation lies in an environment that champions freedom and flexibility, a lesson critical for navigating the evolving landscape of project management.
🎁 Receive Feedback as a gift
The Design Thinking process is built on continuous iteration and feedback gathering. As we worked on the project, we realized that obtaining feedback was not only crucial for evolving ideas and solutions as they were tested and refined in the real world but also for team self-improvement.
So, every six months, we organized 360-degree feedback sessions, where each team member provided feedback to one another. This allowed us to identify potential areas for improvement, find solutions, and grow individually, while also strengthening our unity as a team and growing together.
During these sessions, our focus was on recognizing both the strengths and weaknesses of each team member. We also implemented actions to reward the best contributor to the team every week, keeping us motivated in our work.
Furthermore, we used to organize these sessions in rural houses, away from the work environment. This, as mentioned before, aimed to foster creativity and free us from the office.
I believe this approach is fundamental both in the workplace and in life in general. Speaking one’s mind and receiving constructive criticism as a gift are invaluable.
It was a highly enriching learning experience and a step towards continuous improvement.
Ideas Hub
the project
KREAKTIVITY Idea Hub is an innovation consultancy that leverages design thinking methodologies to assist businesses and organizations in adapting to change, enhancing key aspects, and finding creative solutions to specific challenges.
Scope: This project focused on establishing an innovative hub aimed at fostering creativity and innovation. Founded in 2015 with an initial team of 4 individuals, I led the initiative to create a center dedicated to generating, developing, and implementing disruptive ideas. Through a structured approach, it facilitated continuous innovation, transforming imafinative concepts into practica, impactful solutions.
Highlighted Projects
Strategic Transformation: Gym Level 3
In response to the challenges posed by Gym Level 3, a strategic project was undertaken that encompassed various key aspects of its operations. With the goal of attracting new generations of clients and addressing challenges in marketing, social media, and internal events, the team faced the tasks of acquiring new customers, motivating the gym team, and fostering loyalty among existing members and facilities.
To comprehensively address this project, an 18-person multidisciplinary team organized a hackathon. Leveraging the diversity of knowledge and perspectives, several brainstorming sessions were conducted to foster the generation of bold and creative ideas.
Throughout the process, a thorough analysis of the gym facilities was conducted, along with interviews with both current and potential future clients. This research allowed for the identification of differences between the demands of these clients and the current offerings of the gym.
The Scamper methodology, combined with brainstorming, facilitated the stimulation of ideas and alternative approaches. By segmenting these ideas into relevant themes, the most promising ones were selected for further development.
A comprehensive proposal addressing each of the challenges outlined was presented to Gym Level 3. Innovative solutions included marketing strategies targeted at new generations, enhancements to social media for increased visibility, and proposals for internal events actively engaging clients.
The client’s feedback was highly positive, leading to the hiring of colleagues to execute the implementation of the ideas.
200 promotional video ideas: HobbieSpot
HobbieSpot is a platform dedicated to bringing people together around their hobbies and interests, enabling them to share in-person experiences through events and digital content. Its mission is to create virtual communities that transcend the physical world, promoting fun, the discovery of new hobbies, and connections between individuals.
The challenge faced in this project was the creation of 200 ideas for promotional videos. The goal was to capture the vibrant essence of HobbieSpot, emphasizing its ability to unite people around their passions and offer unique experiences. Additionally, the aim was to convey the platform’s significance in people’s lives by revaluing their relationships, fostering the transition from the virtual to the physical world, and providing memorable moments.
The process began by thoroughly understanding the needs, desires, and expectations of the target audience. In-depth research into current trends in marketing and communication, particularly regarding audiences interested in hobbies and community activities, was conducted.
Various approaches were explored to communicate HobbieSpot’s value proposition. From conceptualizing stories to creating impactful visual messages, each idea was carefully designed to convey the brand’s essence as a platform that connects people through shared interests.
Upon completion of this process, each idea underwent rigorous analysis to ensure alignment with HobbieSpot’s core values. This meticulous approach to idea generation and selection not only resulted in a robust set of proposals that captivated the client but also established a solid foundation for an ongoing collaborative relationship, allowing for continued co-creation in future projects.
Entrepreneurial Reintegration: Bridging Gaps in Inmate Employment Integration
The collaboration with Acebuche Penitentiary Center aimed to address a fundamental challenge: the employment integration of individuals in prison, particularly through self-employment. This initiative sought to provide meaningful opportunities to reintegrate individuals into society, utilizing entrepreneurship as a means to empower them and facilitate their transition to the workforce outside of prison.
The challenge was further complicated as a concerning pattern was observed: many inmates initiated entrepreneurial projects within the prison, participated in workshops, and acquired valuable skills. However, upon release, these projects often fell by the wayside, and the acquired skills did not translate into real opportunities once outside of prison. The task was to find a solution that bridged this gap, allowing entrepreneurial projects born in prison to thrive once individuals regained their freedom, contributing to their reintegration and success in the workforce.
To achieve this, an exhaustive analysis of the inmates was conducted to understand their skills, interests, experiences, and challenges. Simultaneously, existing entrepreneurial systems that had demonstrated success in the workforce reintegration of individuals with criminal backgrounds were examined.
The definition stage was crucial. Key issues hindering the employment integration of inmates were identified. Internal and external barriers they faced when establishing themselves independently were thoroughly explored. This phase required a deep analysis of the needs, expectations, and limitations of inmates, as well as a detailed understanding of the job market and available entrepreneurial opportunities.
Subsequently, concrete solutions addressing the identified problems were developed. Prototypes of the most promising ideas were created, constantly refining each concept to make it feasible and viable in the context of inmates’ workforce reintegration. Close collaboration with entrepreneurship experts and reintegration professionals ensured that the solutions aligned with best practices and real market opportunities.
Finally, a comprehensive document summarizing the solutions, strategies, and recommendations for employment integration through self-employment was presented. The Design Thinking approach served as the foundation of the proposal, allowing for the innovative and holistic tackling of this complex challenge.
Futuristic Hotel Room Haaga - Helia University
Haaga-Helia University in Finland presented the challenge of designing a futuristic and innovative hotel room. The task was to create a space that would provide a unique and cutting-edge experience for guests, leveraging the latest trends in technology, comfort, and design.
To tackle this challenge, a detailed analysis of existing rooms in the world’s most modern and futuristic hotels was initiated. Features were studied, strengths were identified, and deficiencies or areas requiring improvement were pinpointed.
Subsequently, the focus shifted to identifying the most significant deficiencies and key points essential for achieving a truly innovative result. Areas where a distinctive impact could be made and an unparalleled experience could be provided to guests were identified.
The generation of wild and creative ideas was encouraged to explore all possibilities. The objective was to break away from the conventional and conceive solutions that truly stood out.
A fundamental aspect of the approach was maintaining open communication with the client throughout each project phase. Feedback was attentively listened to, and suggestions were considered to ensure that the final solution was genuinely satisfying for them. This ongoing collaboration allowed adjustments to the design and process, ensuring that the futuristic hotel room being created exceeded expectations.
Attracting a Younger Target Audience: Arrocería Larruzz
Close collaboration was established with a rice restaurant located in a prime position in Bilbao that aimed to attract a younger audience. Despite its strategic location, the majority of its clientele fell within the 40 to 60 age range, posing a challenge in drawing a younger and dynamic crowd. To address this challenge, a customer acquisition strategy was designed, leveraging key points in the area, such as the university and nightclubs.
The strategy focused on two main pillars: collaboration with the local university and the creation of thematic events. Partnerships were forged with the university to draw in students and faculty to the rice restaurant, offering special discounts and exclusive promotions. Thematic events were also organized to appeal to a younger audience, including live music nights, tasting events, and special promotions during nightclub hours in the vicinity.
The detailed strategy was presented to the rice restaurant, highlighting how each element aligned with its goal of attracting a younger audience. The proposal emphasized the creation of memorable experiences and the building of a lasting relationship with this key demographic.
The strategy enabled the rice restaurant to capitalize on its strategic location and connect with an audience that was not effectively targeted before. This project showcased how a well-focused customer acquisition strategy, grounded in a deep understanding of the audience, can yield tangible results.
Key responsibilities
As an entrepreneur and project manager at Kreaktivity, I played a multifaceted and pivotal role in directing and executing our innovation consultancy projects. My primary responsibilities spanned from conceiving innovative ideas to the final delivery of solutions. Below, I outline my key roles and responsibilities:
✔️ Ideation and Creative Development
Engaged in the conceptualization of creative solutions for challenges posed by clients. Applied Design Thinking techniques, market analysis, and creative approaches to propose fresh and effective solutions.
✔️ Team Leadership
Assembled and led a team of talented professionals, ensuring alignment with objectives and commitment to delivering exceptional results. Cultivated a collaborative environment where everyone could contribute their unique perspectives.
✔️ Planning and Strategy
Directed strategic planning for each project, defining objectives, establishing milestones, and developing effective strategies to address challenges presented by clients. Ensured each project had a solid structure to maximize impact.
✔️ Project Management
Oversaw project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines, appropriate resource allocation, and seamless communication with clients. Monitored progress and took corrective measures when necessary to ensure successful delivery.
✔️ Client Interaction
Maintained close communication with clients, understanding their needs, concerns, and objectives. Presented proposals, updates, and solutions, ensuring satisfaction with services and willingness to continue collaborating.
✔️ Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Fostered a culture of innovation within the team and project approach. Actively sought opportunities to enhance processes, implement new techniques, and learn from each experience to deliver even more impactful solutions.
✔️ Results Analysis
Measured the impact and success of each project, evaluating the effectiveness of solutions and how they aligned with client objectives. Used these analyses to provide feedback on approaches and seek improvement opportunities for future projects.
Core team
The most valuable asset at Kreaktivity was human talent. Operating from an Innovation Hub, every time brainstorming sessions were conducted for clients, there was the privilege of having a team of 18 individuals whose contributions to idea generation were invaluable. This was the distinguishing factor; the constant support of a team whose passion, diverse perspectives, and dedication emerged as essential elements in every stage of the projects.
Designer
Visual Creation: Designing visual materials, such as graphics, interface designs, presentations, that support the project’s concepts and solutions.
Brand Consistency: Ensuring that all visual elements align with Kreaktivity’s brand identity and meet client expectations.
- Visual Communication: Translating abstract ideas into clear and compelling visual representations to effectively communicate the concepts.
Project Manager
- Leadership: Defining the strategy and direction of projects, ensuring team cohesion.
- Planning: Establishing timelines, assigning tasks, and allocating resources to ensure the timely delivery of results.
- Communication: Maintaining effective communication with clients, keeping them informed about project progress, and managing expectations.
- Session Facilitation: Acting as a moderator in brainstorming sessions, fostering active participation, and generating creative ideas.
Marketing & sales
- Customer Management: Maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring their expectations are met.
- Marketing and Sales Strategy: Developing effective strategies to attract and retain customers, identifying growth opportunities.
- Proposal Creation: Crafting compelling value propositions, ensuring they reflect the solutions and benefits that Kreaktivity can offer.
Risk Assessment
Several potential risks that could have impacted the project’s development and outcomes were identified. Below, we will analyze some of the identified risks, how they were addressed, and the impact they had:
1. Lack of Clarity in Client Objectives
Identified Risk
We recognized this risk during the initial phase by noting that the client’s expectations were not entirely clear.
Approach
We implemented more robust communication and established regular meetings with the client to ensure that our solutions were aligned with their objectives. We used visual examples and prototypes to verify mutual understanding.
Impact
Early detection and effective communication minimized alignment issues, avoiding extensive revisions and ensuring client satisfaction. Additionally, it allowed us to build a stronger relationship with the client based on transparency.
2. Internal Change Resistance
Identified Risk
This risk pertained to potential internal resistance from the client’s teams to new ideas or proposed solutions. Lack of acceptance could slow down the successful implementation of solutions and hinder adoption.
Approach
Acknowledging this concern, in some cases, we collaborated with the client’s internal teams. We involved them in the design and development process of solutions, sharing the rationale behind new ideas. We emphasized the benefits of the proposed solutions and demonstrated how they would address existing challenges.
Impact
By actively addressing resistance to change, we gradually gained acceptance and support from internal teams. Implementation became smoother, and there was increased commitment from the client to adopt the solutions, leading to a successful transition to new ideas.
3. Lack of Internal Client Collaboration
design Thinking
Kreaktivity relies on the Design Thinking methodology as a central approach to address innovation projects. This methodology seamlessly aligns with their philosophy of generating creative ideas and effective solutions for challenges posed by clients. Every step of the Design Thinking process is employed in all projects undertaken, ensuring a user-centric approach, innovative idea generation, and successful implementation of solutions.
❤️ Empathy: Understanding the Needs and Desires of the Client
🔍 Definition: Refining and Defining the Problem
💡 Ideation: Generating Creative Ideas and Solutions
🔨 Prototyping: Turning Ideas Into Tangible Solutions.
Approaching the opening date, a final sprint was planned for the last preparations and details. During this sprint, performance tests, simulations with customers, and final adjustments were conducted to ensure everything was ready for the opening. Additionally, at this stage, the team prepared a final report to assess performance and results compared to the initially set objectives.
📓 Testing: Testing and Learning from Solutions.
Following the opening, a retrospective sprint was organized to analyze the results and insights gained throughout the project. The team reviewed the successes and challenges encountered, identifying practices that performed well and areas for improvement in future projects. The insights obtained during this sprint were documented for application in future projects, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes.
🚀 Implementation: Bringing Solutions to Reality.
Ket Takeways
🌟 Diversity Holds the Magic
Engaging in brainstorming sessions with a diverse team of 18 individuals, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives, has been an enlightening lesson in my role as a top-tier Project Manager. This experience has taught me to appreciate the wealth that diversity of perspectives brings. I’ve found that the most innovative ideas often emerge at the intersection of different viewpoints.
Presently, I actively seek out diverse opinions, considering them as an invaluable source of fresh ideas and creative solutions in any professional context. This learning has strengthened my belief that collaboration with diverse minds drives excellence.
In the current landscape, I find it crucial to surround myself with diverse individuals who stimulate my thought process, both in the professional realm and in my personal life. I firmly believe that this practice is essential for growth, both personally and professionally. The synergy created by diversity is, to me, a fundamental key to achieving new levels of success in project management.
⛰️ Get out of the office
I’ve come to appreciate the paradoxical nature of ideation—where the best ideas often manifest in unexpected moments, a delicate interplay of truth and unpredictability.
In the realm of stimulating creativity, the active inquiry and a defined focus are essential. Merely relying on the serendipity of inspiration during routine activities proves insufficient. The questions posed act as a magnetic force, attracting the sought-after answers.
Once these thought-provoking questions are in place, venturing beyond the typical workspace becomes crucial. In our distinguished project, we discerned that many of our most innovative ideas originated outside the conventional work environment.
Our approach to brainstorming involved dynamic methods and engaging games. Recognizing that ideas seldom flourish in conventional, protracted meetings unless well-prepared, we embraced flexibility in our work environment. In the contemporary landscape, the ability to adapt the workspace is paramount. The liberty to work seamlessly both within and beyond the office emerges as a catalyst for heightened productivity.
Through our journey, we’ve gleaned that rigid 8-hour workdays don’t always yield the most profound productivity. Instead, the fertile ground for creativity and innovation lies in an environment that champions freedom and flexibility, a lesson critical for navigating the evolving landscape of project management.
🎁 Receive Feedback as a gift
The Design Thinking process is built on continuous iteration and feedback gathering. As we worked on the project, we realized that obtaining feedback was not only crucial for evolving ideas and solutions as they were tested and refined in the real world but also for team self-improvement.
So, every six months, we organized 360-degree feedback sessions, where each team member provided feedback to one another. This allowed us to identify potential areas for improvement, find solutions, and grow individually, while also strengthening our unity as a team and growing together.
During these sessions, our focus was on recognizing both the strengths and weaknesses of each team member. We also implemented actions to reward the best contributor to the team every week, keeping us motivated in our work.
Furthermore, we used to organize these sessions in rural houses, away from the work environment. This, as mentioned before, aimed to foster creativity and free us from the office.
I believe this approach is fundamental both in the workplace and in life in general. Speaking one’s mind and receiving constructive criticism as a gift are invaluable.
It was a highly enriching learning experience and a step towards continuous improvement.