In an era of increasing complexity and global crises, we are faced with systems that no longer deliver what they were once intended to do. Inequality, climate change, ill health and resource overuse are not problems with simple solutions. They are symptoms of deeper structures in our social and production […]
Method
67 posts
A path for deep system change in a complex world. In an era where we need to not only improve our systems but also fundamentally transform them, conventional methods for change are not enough. To address the sustainability crisis, growing inequality or unsustainable value chains, a different way of understanding […]
In the work on system innovation, there is often talk about methods that help us change systems. But before we can change, we must first understand. And sometimes it is precisely in the first phase, where we try to grasp the complexity, that the biggest mistakes occur. We jump too […]
What does it really take to bring about change in complex social systems? When you are in the midst of the consequences of the climate crisis, social gaps or resource waste, it is easy to feel that huge changes are required. But what if the solution is not always to […]
System change does not start with solutions, it starts with understanding. In a complex world where sustainability challenges are intertwined and long-term, more is needed than problem-solving in silos. We need methods that help us see the whole, the relationships and the dynamics – and one of the most powerful […]
In an era of climate crisis, digital transformation and social change, it is no longer enough to improve what is. To create sustainable societies, we need to change entire systems, how we produce, consume, organize and collaborate. One of the most useful methods for understanding and driving such changes is […]
We live in a world of constant change and increasing complexity. Climate change, technological development, social shifts and economic fluctuations challenge our societies, businesses and everyday lives. In this reality, resilience is not just the ability to withstand and recover from a crisis, it is also a driver for creativity […]
Systems thinking is the art of understanding the world not as separate phenomena, but as a web of interconnected parts where each element influences and is influenced by others. Instead of focusing only on individual events or parts, systems thinking seeks to capture the processes, connections, patterns, and the invisible […]
Starting a project without a clear direction is like sailing without a map. You may have a destination in mind, but without a clear course, you risk getting lost. The NEB Compass (New European Bauhaus Compass) is a tool that helps teams find the right direction in their projects by […]
Many times when we try to be creative, we limit ourselves without even thinking about it. We accept invisible frames and assume that certain factors are inevitable. But what happens if we challenge these assumptions? What happens if we ask ourselves: What does the ideal solution look like? This method […]
Most creative people have heard of the idea of having a “yes, and…” attitude. The term comes from improvisational theater and refers to validating and building on ideas to create a dynamic and productive collaborative environment. But what exactly is the opposite of “yes, and…”? There’s a common misconception that […]
In a world where customer needs and behaviors are changing, it is crucial to be able to put yourself in their perspective instead of doing as we have always done. Creating innovation and relevant solutions requires more than just data and analysis – it requires empathy. One method to achieve […]
Innovation is often thought of as unpredictable and random, but what if there was a structure to create innovation? That’s exactly what Genrich Altshuller, a Russian engineer and patent examiner, began to realize while working in a patent office in the 1940s. By analyzing thousands of patents, he discovered that […]
It seems so obvious. We have a bunch of ideas in front of us, and the natural question is: Which one is best? But the problem is that this question rarely leads to a good answer. Our brains are not designed to objectively determine which idea has the most potential. […]
In times of change – whether it’s driving new projects, introducing a new corporate culture or creating societal change – one thing is always crucial: getting people on board. But explaining a problem, presenting a solution and expecting others to act rarely works if the communication is dry and lacks […]
Running a system-change project is a complex challenge. Such projects require the ability to deal with large, interconnected issues that often involve breaking up established patterns and building new, sustainable structures. In this context, the See-Do-Learn framework offers a powerful way to organize processes, drive change, and create real learning. […]
Cooking is a daily creative process, but it is also much more than that. It is a masterful game between frameworks and freedom, a harmonious mixture of precision and improvisation. And just like in cooking, innovation is an art where small changes can create something completely new. By looking at […]
In a world where new buzzwords appear almost daily—from “metaverse” to “hyperautomation”—it’s easy to become overwhelmed and cynical. Many of these terms promise a lot but deliver little when dug deeper. A new such concept but perhaps deserving of our attention is strategic foresight. Strategic foresight is a concept that […]
For many, LEGO is a source of play and creation, but its potential extends far beyond the playroom. In system innovation, where complex societal issues require new ways of thinking, LEGO can be a powerful tool. By making abstract problems concrete and creating visual models, LEGO can help us understand […]
Mission-driven innovation has emerged as a method for addressing our greatest societal challenges—from climate change to more equitable care. The basic idea is to gather different actors, create broad visions and work together to develop solutions. It is a system innovation approach with many strengths but also clear challenges. Let’s […]
When it comes to creativity and innovation, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless stream of ideas. But how do we know which ideas are worth developing? Here, ikigai, a Japanese concept of meaningful living, can be a powerful tool – not only for personal development, but also […]
Coming up with innovative ideas for an already established product can be a challenge. New thinking is often needed to keep a product fresh and attractive, but without completely changing it or risking losing what customers already like. This is where “Concept Poker” comes in – a playful method of […]
Have you ever had an idea that you’re sure can be a success, but don’t quite know how to refine and flesh it out? An effective and creative way to process and develop your ideas is to write a future article describing the success of your idea – a kind […]
Anyone who has worked with creativity and innovation knows that a lot is about being able to ask the right questions. Many may think that creativity is about finding answers, but those experienced in the field know that it is the questions that drive the ideas. Correctly asked questions not […]
After a workshop is completed, it is often the involvement of the facilitator and participants during the session that affects the quality of the outcome. The use of templates during the workshop is an effective way to ensure that ideas and insights are documented. However, further work is required to […]
A workshop is a dynamic process based on the active participation of the participants, and it is important to understand that you cannot prepare for everything that will happen. As a facilitator, your job is to create an environment where people want to contribute, but you cannot force anyone to […]
Preparing a workshop is a process that requires both clarity and flexibility, but what should you think about when you have been given the task of holding a workshop? How do you get others to want to contribute their ideas? How do you know if it will be good? The […]
When we talk about innovation and creative thinking, we are often looking for the “best” idea. But what’s interesting is that the opposite of a good idea isn’t necessarily a bad idea. In fact, the opposite of a good idea is often another good idea. The real trap is not […]
There is always uncertainty about the future. From the effects of climate change to technological disruptions and global pandemics. The challenges we face are enormous, complex and interconnected. Faced with such uncertainty, how can we set course towards a better and more sustainable world? One way is to use scenario […]
Creativity is a muscle that needs to be flexed regularly, and what better way to exercise it than through a simple but engaging exercise – finding ten new uses for e.g. a balloon. It may seem like an everyday object, but the beauty of creativity lies in turning the ordinary […]