A TOOL FOR REFRAMING PROJECTS AND CHALLENGES
There are times when you are working on a project that it feels like there’s no possible outcome outside the obvious, and it’s hard to get to that breakthrough moment. When a solution that would solve the problem in question is not clear at all, it is best to step back and try to see the project from a different perspective. This is definitely easier said than done, but I have a way to help me find a new point of view.
I have created a tool to help me see the project from different perspectives and to think of creative and unique ideas. It’s a roulette with three distinct layers. In each layer you have an aspect of the project; in the picture below I used Where, What, and Who as an example. Once you build your own spinning wheel you can change it to what is relevant to your project, for example: all the stake holders, the scenarios that the project takes place in, and a time frame.
The layers will spin independently from each other and random sections from all three layers will align. In this case, you will have one specific place, one specific person and a moment where this has to happen. How would this chosen person have dealt with the problem that you are trying to solve, with the randomly selected constraints?
The system of randomly selecting three constraints to solve the problem can be adjusted to any project, so it doesn’t need to be as shown above: do it as it works for you and your project. The idea is to change the lenses through which you are trying to solve the challenge.
Let’s do a tangible example to make it clearer.
The challenge
How might we evolve the education system by using technology?
Who (green)
I chose the stakeholders: teachers, students, parents, school management, technology developers, or government.
Where (blue)
Possible locations where the solution can take place: classroom, library, home, or outdoors.
When (yellow)
Time frame to implement the solution: in one hour, one day, one month, or one year.
After spinning the wheel you get an random combination of factors which will change your initial challenge: How might parents create an outdoor activity that lasts one day and has the ability to evolve the education system by using technology?
Repeat it as many times as necessary to get to a unique result and numerous possibilities to solve your challenge. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts.
