How do you innovate when project needs change?

1 Identify the problem

The first step to innovate when project needs change is to identify the problem clearly and accurately. What is the gap between the current state and the desired state? What are the root causes and effects of the problem? How does the problem impact your project objectives, stakeholders, and resources? By asking these questions, you can define the problem and scope it in a way that is manageable and meaningful.

2 Explore the options

The next step to innovate when project needs change is to explore the options available to solve the problem. This is where you can unleash your creativity and brainstorm as many ideas as possible, without judging or filtering them. You can use various tools and methods to stimulate your thinking, such as mind mapping, SCAMPER, analogies, or reverse brainstorming. The goal is to generate a diverse and rich pool of potential solutions that address the problem from different angles and perspectives.

3 Evaluate the solutions

The third step to innovate when project needs change is to evaluate the solutions you have generated and select the best ones. This is where you have to apply some criteria and logic to your ideas and test their feasibility, desirability, and viability. You can use various tools and methods to evaluate your solutions, such as SWOT analysis, pros and cons, or prototyping. The goal is to narrow down your options and choose the ones that are most likely to work and deliver value.

4 Implement the plan

The fourth step to innovate when project needs change is to implement the plan you have devised based on your selected solutions. This is where you have to execute your ideas and make them happen in reality. You have to plan the actions, resources, roles, and timelines needed to implement your solutions. You also have to monitor the progress, measure the results, and adjust the plan as needed. The goal is to achieve your project objectives and satisfy your stakeholders.

5 Learn from feedback

The fifth step to innovate when project needs change is to learn from feedback and improve your solutions. This is where you have to collect and analyze data and feedback from your stakeholders, customers, and users. You have to identify what worked well, what didn't work well, and what can be improved. You also have to celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and share your insights and lessons learned. The goal is to continuously improve your solutions and your creative problem solving skills.

6 Repeat the process

The sixth step to innovate when project needs change is to repeat the process as often as needed. Project needs change constantly, so you have to be ready and willing to go through the creative problem solving cycle again and again. You have to keep identifying new problems, exploring new options, evaluating new solutions, implementing new plans, learning from new feedback, and repeating the process. The goal is to stay agile, flexible, and innovative in a dynamic and complex project environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?