To continue the discussion from yesterday, I’d like to put forth the first in what will hopefully be an ongoing series of refinements, based on input from the group.

To briefly recap this effort’s intent, Co-creation (or Design Thinking) is currently viewed through multiple lenses, which can be confusing when discussing the topic with others who have different experiences with the subject.  By visually framing the various levels of Co-creation and its supporting principles, a common understanding of the topic could be achieved and the ability to apply it in multiple types of situations could be enhanced.

Proposed Co-Creation (Design Thinking) Framework

Originally, the Co-Creation Framework (see below) closely mirrored that of the Toyota diagram.

However, as seen in the revised model below, Problem Solving has been eliminated as a stand-along category, having been rolled into the Process category.  The reason for this update is that Problem Solving and Process are both focused on a common goal – leveraging participation by all stakeholders to address a challenge and develop a solution. (more…)

During the inaugural Copenhagen Co-Creation Summit this past August, lively debate arose regarding the scope of Co-creation (or Design Thinking).  Perfectly understandable given its application in creating new products, services, organizational structures, business models, and public policy in both developed and developing economies.

But is Co-creation…

• An all-encompassing philosophy?
• An internal organizational process?
• A method for solving complex problems with external stakeholders?

Simply put, the answer is “yes.”  Co-creation can be viewed through all of these lenses, prompting the need to more clearly frame the space so we have a common understanding of its breadth of application and the actionable principles that make it so powerful.

Fortunately, an analogous model already exists that I’d like to introduce as a potential starting point.

Toyota’s 4P Framework
While working with Toyota, Jeffrey Liker, PhD developed the 4P model, which reframes the four high-level principles that Toyota uses to govern itself.  These tiered principles, in combination with fourteen sub principles, reflect Toyota’s “deeper business philosophy…of understanding people and human motivation.”  This philosophy forms the basis for the global Toyota Production System and has shaped the company’s direction since its early days as a loom manufacturer.

Liker’s 4P model is broken into categories that encapsulate Toyota’s corporate principles:  Philosophy, Process, People & Partners, and Problem Solving. (more…)