Product design as sweet as chocolate | A stack of pancakes | (not) know it alls
Gumi & Company
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In today's letter, we take a different route with 2 perspectives on ventures and products. One is front row seats to a Lumie gushing about a product he is in love with.
Enjoy!
No individual or organization (singlehandedly) possesses all the knowledge and ideas needed for success.
Even the best and brightest organizations cannot possibly have all the resources needed to succeed in-house. That is one of the reasons partnerships are an important building block when employing the business model canvas to visualize a business model. There will always be a reason to look externally to meet one need or the other, and this includes human resources, more specifically knowledge and ideas.
Innovation is considered to be the differentiator between the companies that die and those that disrupt. Because it is considered a strategic advantage, it has traditionally been done secretly, in order to curb theft and keep the surprise factor when launching. However, innovation is better when it is open simply because it allows organizations to go past the limitations they have when depending only on those who work for them.
Open doesn’t mean publishing your grand ideas on the web with a step-by-step manual for any competitor that can read. In fact, it largely involves ideas coming in. Open innovation is essentially opening up the process by which you create better products, services, and processes to external contributions. This ranges from holding contests where people work to solve a selected case problem, to (building) external networks of experts that can be leveraged in the #innovation process.
A few examples;
?? AXA has an insurance innovation accelerator that is currently open. It is designed to expedite the growth of startups developing solutions that align with the program’s theme and the company’s value chain. Successful startups gain access to invaluable resources, incubation support, and the possibility of Axa becoming a paying client.
??Procter & Gamble Connect & Develop is a platform that allows them to ‘collaborate with the world’s most innovative minds to deliver on the company’s most challenging opportunities’. It reported 50% of its innovations coming from outside and a 60% increase in the productivity of its R&D efforts
??eTranzact International PLC’s website features an ‘innovation hub’ which allows anyone to share ideas for improving existing products or building new onesThe other side of open innovation is ideas and technology going out. I write about this and more in “Innovation is better when it is open”? ??https://lnkd.in/d4DkRx-D
Just like the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by UB40 goes, I can't help falling in love with Dune Chocolate ??!
From the moment I discovered this delightful product, it's been a game-changer in my weekly indulgence routine.What I find remarkable about Dune Chocolate is not its exquisite taste and texture (the 70% dark chocolate is my absolute favorite), but the brand's commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of their offerings.
First and foremost, their package design is nothing short of artistry. The attention to detail is evident, with each bar featuring a magnificent African animal – the White Rhino on the White Chocolate packaging and the graceful African Gazelle on the Dark Chocolate counterpart. It's like having a piece of Africa in every bite!
But it's not just about the animals; it's the simplicity and the perfect color combinations that add an extra layer of elegance to their product design. The clean, minimalist design with its earthy hues evokes a sense of nature and authenticity. It's a testament to the belief that true excellence lies in simplicity. A belief Gumi & Company holds onto tightly.
One of the standout features that truly resonates with me is the 'Crafted in Nigeria' crest proudly displayed on their packaging. Supporting local craftsmanship and celebrating the rich heritage of Nigeria is not just admirable but also adds to the brand's authenticity.
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But let's get back to the heart of the matter – the taste. Dune Chocolate not only offers a variety of flavors but does so with impeccable quality. The rich, bold flavors of their dark chocolate are unbeatable, and the smoothness of their white chocolate is oh so silky smooth!
Their products are not only a treat for my wife and me, but we can't wait to introduce our daughter to this delectable experience. It seems she shares her Papa's gifted palate ??, and I can't think of a better way to share the love for chocolate than through Dune.
I prefer Dune Chocolate to many imported brands because it stands out not just for its taste but for its commitment to quality, local pride, and the art of chocolate making.
Dune embodies #productexcellence and #productdesign excellence. I would ??to learn about their innovation story.
You can think about executing a #digitaltransformation program as stacking pancakes. How many go into your ideal stack? 4? 8? 12?
Sorry to burst your lean or binge-eating bubble. The winning number here is six, and counting the layers downwards from six, you have:
? Operating model – how the digital organization will be structured and synch with the rest of the organization. What will governance be like? Centralized or decentralized?
?? Digital channels – what channels need to be built to integrate aspects of the digital transformation strategy.
??♂? #people – how will the people component be configured, how will change management be driven. Looking at this from business unit, functional and if required geographical points of view.
?? Process – how will processes interconnect and work within the new organization, and what are the accompanying policies.
?? #technology (most organizations throw money at this step first) – what applications need to be developed/deployed to enable processes and alignment with outcomes.
?? Service – how does all of the above fit into the services we deliver to our customers and stakeholders. That’s all folks. Pass the syrup!
Btw, you can view the original perspective posts through the hyperlinked headings in sections..
As always, Yours in Innovation,
?? Gumi's Lumies