How do you integrate sustainability into your solutions?

Sustainability is not only a moral duty, but also a competitive advantage for businesses that want to create value for their customers and society. However, integrating sustainability into your solutions requires creative problem solving skills and a holistic approach. In this article, you will learn how to apply some principles and methods of creative problem solving to design solutions that are sustainable, feasible, and desirable.

1 Define the problem

The first step of creative problem solving is to define the problem you want to solve in a clear and specific way. This will help you focus on the root causes and the impacts of the problem, rather than the symptoms or the assumptions. To define the problem, you can use tools such as the problem statement, the 5 whys, or the fishbone diagram. These tools will help you identify the stakeholders, the needs, the constraints, and the opportunities related to the problem. When defining the problem, you should also consider how it affects the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability.

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2 Generate ideas

The next step of creative problem solving is to generate as many ideas as possible to solve the problem. This will help you explore different perspectives and possibilities, and avoid settling for the first or obvious solution. To generate ideas, you can use techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER, or reverse brainstorming. These techniques will help you stimulate your creativity and divergent thinking, and challenge your assumptions and biases. When generating ideas, you should also consider how they align with the principles of sustainability, such as circularity, efficiency, or resilience.

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3 Evaluate and select ideas

The third step of creative problem solving is to evaluate and select the best ideas to solve the problem. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the most promising and viable solution. To evaluate and select ideas, you can use criteria such as feasibility, desirability, impact, or originality. You can also use tools such as the pros and cons list, the decision matrix, or the SWOT analysis. These tools will help you compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of each idea, and assess their risks and opportunities. When evaluating and selecting ideas, you should also consider how they balance the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, the customers, and the society.

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Gijsbertus J.J. van Wulfen

Innovation keynote speaker, Number One Thought Leader Design Thinking 2024, LinkedIn Top Voice helping you and your organisation, to become amazing innovators with keynotes, workshops, and a proven innovation method.
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A much better way than SWOT is a SOAR analysis, as it takes a positive approach. SOAR stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. Here's how the SOAR analysis framework works: 1. Strengths: Identify and leverage your organization's existing strengths and capabilities. Focus on what your company does well. 2. Opportunities: Identify external factors or trends that could create opportunities for your organization's growth or success. 3. Aspirations: Clearly define your organization's vision and goals. What do you want to achieve? Use this as a guide to steer your strategic decisions. 4. Results: Determine the specific outcomes or results you want to achieve. Think about the measurable impact and the desired end state

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4 Develop and test ideas

The fourth step of creative problem solving is to develop and test your selected idea to solve the problem. This will help you refine and improve your solution, and validate its effectiveness and value. To develop and test your idea, you can use methods such as prototyping, experimenting, or feedback. These methods will help you create a tangible representation of your solution, test it in real or simulated scenarios, and collect data and opinions from your target users and experts. When developing and testing your idea, you should also consider how it performs in terms of sustainability indicators, such as carbon footprint, resource consumption, or social impact.

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5 Implement and communicate ideas

The final step of creative problem solving is to implement and communicate your solution to solve the problem. This will help you deliver and promote your solution, and measure its outcomes and benefits. To implement and communicate your solution, you can use strategies such as project management, marketing, or storytelling. These strategies will help you plan and execute your solution, reach and engage your audience, and tell a compelling story about your solution. When implementing and communicating your solution, you should also consider how it contributes to the sustainability goals and values of your organization, your customers, and your society.

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6 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?

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Josh Ashby

Tradesman
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Consider the timing of your solution. An outstanding solution can go unnoticed if the attention of shareholders is strained. There is an economy of attention. Effectively timing your entry into that market is almost as important as the solution you are attempting to implement.

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How do you integrate sustainability into your solutions?

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1 Define the problem

2 Generate ideas

3 Evaluate and select ideas

4 Develop and test ideas

5 Implement and communicate ideas

6 Here’s what else to consider

Creative Problem Solving

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How do you integrate sustainability into your solutions?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define the problem

2 Generate ideas

3 Evaluate and select ideas

4 Develop and test ideas

5 Implement and communicate ideas

6 Here’s what else to consider

Creative Problem Solving

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