Senior School, San Francisco, CA

Problem Solving (A Design Thinking Approach) Defining The Problem (The Design Brief)

Project Description

Direct reports, bosses, colleagues all need each other to perform their tasks and therefore they interrupt each other often to address work issues or sometimes to socialize. While collaboration and socializing are necessary at times, many of these interruptions can be postponed until the individual being interrupted is finished with their current task. We would like to design a mechanism that would allow an individual to easily indicate whether they are now focused and prefer not to be interrupted, or collaborative and available to answer questions or discuss issues as needed, or getting energized and refreshed but maybe open to socializing. We would like to provide a variety of mechanisms for workgroups to choose from depending on their work environment and needs. The mechanisms need to be user friendly, easy to adopt, and cost effective. Ideally there would be at least one low-cost option. The mechanisms need to also be compelling so that users get excited about adopting them and continuing to use them. You are designing this solution for workgroups. Some workgroups work in the one location while others are distributed. Ideally they should be able to choose a mechanism that fits their needs.

Scope

Constraints

Target Users

Expected outcomes A work environment where individuals are able to focus, accomplish their tasks applying creative and strategic thinking, and yet, work together effectively and collaborate and socialize as needed. Success matrices Success in this workshop is measured by a) having formulated a

prototype that addresses the above challenge, and b) having understood and practiced the selected design thinking principles so that you can apply them beyond the workshop.

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