As a provider of IT services and solutions for Volvo Group, and other customers, Volvo IT continuously explore emerging technologies and phenomenons related to IT. For this purpose, Volvo IT has a function called Tech Watch & Business Innovation that collaborates closely with customers, potential suppliers and end-users to rapidly assess the potential value of emerging trends. The format of this practical asessment is called prototypes and its purpose is to, with a practial setup, indicate end-user experience, business viability and technical feasibility on what may become a service or solution in the future.
Why – Need to align next generation IT solutions with corporate vision and strategic objectives
What – Prototyping for Business Innovation
How – Always small scale – yet aiming for Big impact
“A great idea is not enough – someone has to take the first step”
Process/Steps:
- Understand (business & context)
- Observe & Capture (users & technology)
- Insights (what solution would be – desirable, feasible, viable)
- Setup & Try – Refine (low/medium fidelity setup with actual users)
- Assess – Co-financing sponsors decide on next step – solution development project and/or communication activities
Food for thought
In 3 months fast enough or long enough?
The “standard” product is a 3 months work process with some specific characteristics:
–Always co-financed with a customer (BA/BU or external customer) normally 50/50
–Always dual prototype leadership (one from TWBI and one from the customer)
–Always involving end users in both pre-process and setup
–Never longer than 3 working months (may be longer in calendar time)
–Never business as usual…
- With Focus on Customers/Users.
- Broad, Multi-Disciplinary Influences.
- Ideation with Prototyping.
- Finding Alternatives.
- Positively Aggressive.
- Logic + Emotion.
