booknotes: Creative Strategy and the Business of Design, Part 5

The benefits of building business solutions on strategy

As the ancient design proverb says:
'Those who have not done the research have nothing to design'

Okay, maybe I made that up… but it is true!

To create an effective design or business solution, it has to be based on a strong foundation of research holding up a sound strategic plan.

Now we know the language of business (from the nudenotes above), we’ve equipped with a new perspective and the ability to justify your recommendations.

Clarity and strategy go hand in hand - one can not exist without the other.

Clarity and strategy give you a guiding light during dark days of deep development when your head can be spinning with possible solutions.

There’s also a useful exercise for you to find out who can help you to strategise and implement your solutions:

1) Identify areas of confusion or lack of ability.

2) Without blame, find the top reasons why, and label the process, communication and strategy.

3) Formulate a solution for each area of confusion - with 2 to 3 sentences.

4) Add a projected impact or benefit of those solutions (you may need a few drafts to get the most objective language possible).

5) Now you’re ready to identify the person most likely to be receptive to your thoughts - you’ll either get fired, or you’ll lead the solution process.

Buy Creative Strategy and the Business of Design here.