After you see how they do it, you’ll never approach innovation the same way
Having been paired with the Head of Strategy and Innovation, Bohdi Lewis, as my coach, I‘ve been exposed the innovation layer that contributes to much of their award-winning work. I’ve had the opportunity to sit through a number of client briefs, working sessions, team check-ins, an all-staff and even final client presentations. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned — Havas Australia has innovation figured out.
Here’s why:
1. Innovation ≠ latest technology
While we tend to get caught up in the latests trends and development in tech, innovation does not always mean a whirlwind of acronyms… AI, IOT, AR, VR, API’s, etc. The word itself is more than ever, an attitude. A mindshift. It’s about seeing the world from your audience’s point of view to find the right problem to solve.
2. The three-way win
That being said, there is a conscious effort here to apply innovation to three specific areas: the needs of the business, the customer and specific behaviour needs. So rather than sourcing technology and finding a need that matches — rather, understand the needs first and then apply solutions that make sense.
3. How to save clients 10x the cost
The team here has done a deep dive into project processes, specifically on how to become more cost and time efficient. One insight in particular has stuck with me — it is 10x more expensive fixing a problem at the build stage than correcting it in the design phase. This learning has allowed them to really push the idea of rapid prototyping and embracing the notion of failing small and failing fast. I’m sure clients love them for it.
What I love most about Havas Australia’s approach is how it strips away the intimidation that often comes with building and testing new ideas, especially for clients in verticals that don’t often explore innovation.
