Author: Mikeee

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Project Management

Easier for Who? Decoding the Complexity in ‘Simple’ Requests

‘Quick and Easy’ is a Myth

“Could you do this update if it’s quick and easy?” If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of this common request, you might understand the underlying complexities it presents. These words, though seemingly benign, can hide a multitude of uncertainties, trade-offs, and potential future debt. The question we often find ourselves asking in response is, “Easier for who?”

Unraveling the Complexity Knot

Let’s break this down. ‘Quick’ usually means ‘quick for now’, but often accrues debt in the long term. And ‘Easy’ isn’t binary. Are we talking about making it easier for YOU, our client, on a day-to-day basis? Or perhaps for your end customer? Maybe you’re referring to us, the B2B business, implying it should cost you less?

Using Tesler’s law of the conservation of complexity, it becomes clear that simplicity for one party often means increased complexity for another. Any perceived ease or simplicity is merely a transference of complexity, not its elimination.

The Power of Clarity in Complexity

Acknowledging this, it’s critical to identify who you’re optimizing for when saying “if it’s easy”. This clarity not only helps set realistic expectations but also ensures more effective communication and collaboration between all parties involved.

At our firm, we believe in tackling this challenge head-on. We offer a tool specifically designed to help you rank and identify which projects at which stages should optimize for ease. We’re here to help navigate the nuances of ‘quick and easy’, guiding you towards long-term success over short-term expedience.

It’s Time to Decipher ‘Easy’

So, the next time you find yourself asking for something ‘quick and easy’, consider who you’re really asking to bear the complexity. Remember, ‘easy’ is subjective. By clearly identifying who you’re optimizing for, you can achieve more efficient and sustainable results.

Ready to unravel the complexity in ‘quick and easy’? Reach out to us today and let’s begin the journey towards balanced, clear, and sustainable solutions.

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Design Thinking in Action: A Shift in Perspective

The Transformative Power of Design Thinking

Ever wondered how Design Thinking can be practically applied? We’re about to take this theoretical concept and ground it in a real-life situation, showing you its transformative power and everyday utility.

The Framework of Design Thinking using David Allen’s Wisdom

David Allen’s six horizons of Getting Things Done (GTD™) offer a clear perspective:

  1. Purpose
  2. Vision
  3. Goals & Objectives
  4. Areas of Focus
  5. Projects
  6. Next Actions

Each of these steps influences the subsequent one, paving the way for a cascading effect that pushes progress forward. Let’s illustrate this through a case from our client work.

A Real-life Case Study: Rethinking a Facebook Advertising Campaign

A loyal client, who had relied on us for graphic design work for the past five years, approached us with an internally designed Facebook ad for review. Despite having suggested it before, they had not yet explored targeted Facebook campaigns. This request presented a golden opportunity to put Design Thinking into practice.

We kicked off with identifying the purpose – their aim was to book more corporate business. With the objective not really about “doing graphic design”, our vision then shifted to finding the most efficient way to achieve this goal. For goals and objectives, we needed measurable targets – how many more corporate clients did they want to engage?

Our focus then turned to their areas of focus and projects, which revealed an alternative, potentially more effective approach. Using their CRM, we curated a list of 20 past clients that they could connect with directly, leveraging their existing relationship.

The next actions? No ad campaigns. No graphic designs. Just direct, personal communication with potential clients.

This shift in strategy paid off remarkably – they booked 12 out of the 20 past clients. Everyone saved about five hours of time they would’ve otherwise spent on the ad campaign.

Experience the Magic of Design Thinking in Your Everyday Business Decisions

This real-life example shows that Design Thinking is far from a lofty, abstract concept. It is a practical tool that can streamline decisions, optimise operations, and ultimately drive success. So, the next time you encounter a challenge, remember the five horizons of GTD™, and let Design Thinking lead you to an innovative solution.

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Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)