Coatings
How we work
We at the Digital Incubation Unit (DIU) believe that we need two things above all else to develop successful business models: a motivated team with an agile, digital mindset, and reliance on proven methods throughout the innovation process.
The way we think and act is entrepreneurial and customer-centric. The principle of “fail early, fail fast” is a major part of how we work. We use the Design Thinking approach to identify feasible business models, followed by the Lean Startup method to develop them further. If an idea proves unfeasible or unpopular on the market, we shut it down at an early stage. Hypotheses are tested under real conditions, with real customers.
What makes the way we work unique? We never stop thinking outside the box and see market feedback as the hardest currency for our ventures.
The four phases of venture building
Innovation process throughout the Design Thinking method
The way we work is dominated by the Design Thinking method – a creative innovation process that centers around customer needs and perspectives. We think and act in a problem-oriented way, before devoting ourselves to the solution.
Understand
The key in this step is understanding and thoroughly examining the customers’ pain points. Are there already solution approaches on the market? If so, what do they look like? With intensive research, we gather as much information as possible.
Observe
Based on the knowledge gained in the first phase, we conduct interviews with the target group and experts. The findings can also be supported with simple observations. Attention, listening and empathy are everything in this phase.
Synthesize
In the synthesis phase, we sort through our findings and try to find patterns. Doing this involves taking on different perspectives, allowing us to derive and define multiple hypotheses.
Ideate
The start of this phase is all about quantity, not quality. The more ideas, the better! A wide range of methods, such as brainstorming, are used. Workshops are held within the team and, if necessary, with the customer. The ideas are potential solutions to the problems identified.
Prototype
Promising ideas are developed into prototypes. In an iterative way of working, prototyping helps to visualize and try out ideas. This experience is used as the basis for developing the idea further.
Test
We test not only under laboratory conditions, but also on the market, with the target group. This is the only way for us to fulfill our principle of putting our customers and their needs at the heart of everything we do. Based on customer feedback, we optimize the solution step by step, and then start to develop it.
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