Preparation phase

Preparation phase:

The initial phase consists of two parts

1. Formulation of needs
2. Anchoring

The underlying principle of the preparation phase is that interaction triggers insights. The understanding of the need will thus develop during the course of the process. In a co-creation process, this means that the potential solutions and their suppliers need to be included in the process as early as possible. But the initial formulation of the need needs to be done by the need owners. Therefore, the formulation of the need should not be seen as the end point after a comprehensive needs analysis, but as a starting point for a needs analysis integrated into the innovation process.

We call it integrated needs analysis.

Therefore, the preparation phase is significantly less extensive than a traditional needs analysis.      

At the same time, it also needs to be ensured that there is an anchoring in the organization around putting resources into the development of a potential solution to the need, provided that there is potential in the solution proposals that emerge during the process. However, which approach will be used will be decided during the process, depending on, among other things, the outcome of the market analysis.

Example from "Experience my reality"

In the case "Experience my reality" the need was formulated as follows:

How could we, using digital solutions, make people experience what it feels like to live with cognitive impairment in a way that could: 

• function as part of training/further training for staff? 
• contribute to a better understanding of the situation of those concerned?
• mean that those who take part in the service gain the ability to make everyday life more understandable for the individuals concerned, and also meet the needs of those individuals who cannot express what they want and need, thereby increasing the feeling of security and trust?
• scale up to reach more?

The preparation phase, including need formulation, as well as anchoring in the organization took six weeks from the first meeting between process management and requirements owner, to communication of the RFI (see market analysis). At that time, there was already an initial anchoring in the organization to explore innovative working methods linked to a challenge in the area concerned.