Step-by-Step interpretation of "Design Engineering"

Hello Friends,

A lot has been said and many workshops/seminars have been conducted and will be conducted on Design Engineering. Today, when I look at this concept, a simple guiding map comes to my mind. I would like to share the same with you and suggest receiving your constructive feedback on my understanding of the concept.

Let's, hypothetically, take an example of designing a training module..any module. Imagine you are a program designer and have been asked to design a soft skill module on Team Dynamics

Step 1: Why the need has come up to design something like this?

Investigate or rather study the "Why" syndrome of a situation. Is it because of some present conflict, or future expansion of the team, or too much diversity in the team, who is the leader, what type of leadership style he/she has. Study by looking at instances, the situation and its outcome from people perspective. If our "Why syndrome" analysis is done well, we will surely have a positive and effective outcome.. Remember 80/20 rule!

Step 2: Now what and how differently the intervention should be designed to have a great impact during and post-delivery of the module?

Once you are clear about the "genesis" of that need and think what and how the solution should be provided or suggested.

What Part: it is very important. Based on your step 1 study, by introducing any intervention, what should be the impact. So study "what analysis". Look at various options with permutation combinations e.g. role plays, case studies, takeaways, etc

How Part: Now this is crux of Step 2. If not done properly, will defeat its purpose. Again apply mind by looking at least 3-4 different methods of implementing. For instance: What if we have small group discussions? How it would benefit each and every incumbent? Why not large group or presentation mode. Study each mode with its own merits & demerits. Remember no solution is the best till the time solution provider is 100% convinced about its outcome impact.

Step 3: Ensure its flawless execution

3.1 Have a clear minute-to-minute lesson plan ready by studying details: infrastructure, seating style, hand-outs, quality of delivery, etc.

3.2 What norms and decorum to be followed during delivery. For instance: use of mobile phone allowed, not allowed, can check messages, break timings, etc

3.3 Better to check the assimilation level of each participant during ice-breaking sessions or prior if possible

3.4 Setting the context and expectations of both the incumbents and the facilitator. Make sure to visit the same at the end of the session to ensure how much of it has been met not met then the way forward

Step 4: Post session follow up

This is the lousiest phase, I have come across. Despite many good follow up and good intent, this falls flat and we forget about it. Design this phase in a way that it is embedded with regular monthly or quarterly (depending on the intervention) follow ups. Link Learning credits with this phase to bring in more commitment for both the incumbent and the manager.

At the end, my take on this is spend 50% time on Steps 1 & 2, 30% on Step 3 and remaining 20% on Step 4 to have an impactful change.

Design thinking can change gears to a higher pace if the “first time right every time” happens…

Disclaimer: WIP...more to be added...let me apply more design to my thinking