Discovery
Develop understanding and gather insights through agile methods. Discovery is where you uncover the root causes and opportunities for change.
In Discovery, consultant and client clarify the problem. Deploying various approaches to get more information. Separating the symptoms of the problem from its causes. Analysing information to conclude what action to take.
To a certain extent, we are always in Discovery, because there is always more to learn about a client or problem.
Discovery Principles
Start with Empathy
Start with empathy for the people who will be impacted by our solutions. Seek to understand their needs, pain, desires, wants, goals and motivations. Find out what's working and what isn't. Avoid assuming or projecting our view. Quieten our ego so we can truly listen.
Think Systemically
Organisations are highly connected systems compromised of structures, events, behaviour and mental models. Mapping a system will reveal a potential set of actions to take. Cause and effect will most likely not be closely related in time and space. Client problems nearly always involve technical and management systems.
Map for Clarity
Maps come in many forms: customer journeys, process maps, network maps, configuration diagrams etc. A picture says a thousand words - it's much easier to digest a visual than it is to comprehend an essay.
SCQA Stories: Pyramid Thinking
SCQA helps you structure information in a persuasive story. It helps you decide what to include and exclude. The Minto Pyramid is a way to organise thinking in an 'executive friendly' way.
S - Situation
Begin your story by establishing the time, place and facts of the Situation. This ensures that you and your audience start from the same understanding.
C - Complication
In that situation a Complication has occurred that is a problem for your audience. A problem that causes a question to emerge in their mind.
Q - Question
Ask the Question that already exists in your audience's mind – or would exist if they thought about your subject. A short, cleanly phrased question.
A - Answer
Answer the question that you have posed. Once you have the right question, everything else falls easily into place. Finally, check the logic of your SCQA.
Discovery Methods
- •Fishbowl Activity: Observational learning where one group discusses while others observe and reflect
- •Interviews & Focus Groups: Direct engagement with stakeholders to understand perspectives
- •Data Collection & Analysis: Quantitative and qualitative data gathering
- •Process Mapping: Visualizing workflows and systems
- •Agile Discovery: Iterative, collaborative approaches to problem-solving