Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Vincenzo Di Maria on February 6, 2012 at 17:31

Arne, we are currently creating a start up programme in Naples, focussed on local needs and designed specifically for the voluntary sector (existing voluntary orgs that would like to switch to social enterprise models or just develop enterprise skills). We are talking about 'creative' business development as opposite to classic corporate programmes. How do you think design and design thinking make a difference in the creation and delivery of such a programme?

our experience with the Italian voluntary sector is that organisations and individuals need the time to reflect, explore and realise their need to start an enterprise as well as accepting a new mindset. So basically we are not working with motivated entrepreneurs who believe in innovation...

Any short comment is welcome.

Vincenzo 

Permalink Reply by Randah on July 10, 2012 at 16:24

Dear Vicenzo,

excuse this message if it's way too late, I just noticed it.

I think one particular part in design thinking that can help is the rapid prototyping. once people get introduced to new models/ideas (or better yet, imagine it themsleves) they can immediately test it through a low-cost, hands-on prototype. after that, a period of incubatio (or reflection) can be put aside to think it over, or people can be persuaded to apply the idea partially or to a small part of their work. that way, no major change happens with lots of unknowns. from my experience, the fear of what is not known (and therefore, big changes to our working on life styles) is what stops people from trying something new, most of the time. 

hope that helps.

Permalink Reply by Vincenzo Di Maria on July 10, 2012 at 23:43

Thank you for your answer Randah, it has been a challenging journey so far, a battle against italian bureaucracy and resistance to change. we are working with an organisation that firmly believe that services can't be prototyped... on the other hand many changes have occurred since we started 6 months ago, small steps that we can be proud of. you can see some of the moments of the project on our blog http://gioconomics.wordpress.com/ 

more than a programme we are now focussing on a replicable methodology that will help voluntary organisations to shift toward a more entrepreneurial mindset. still challenging, especially in places like Naples, but we have to start somewhere, despite of fear for the unknown ;-)

Best,

Vincenzo

Permalink Reply by Barrett Young on July 16, 2012 at 0:01

Is this event still active by chance? 

Permalink Reply by Vincenzo Di Maria on July 16, 2012 at 0:21

If by 'event' you mean if the project is still alive, yes, we are currently discussing level two investment. It has been a long journey until here, started with Naples 2.0 social innovation competition last year. http://euclidnetwork.eu/projects/current-projects/european-social-i... 

Permalink Reply by Barrett Young on July 16, 2012 at 0:38

My apologies, Vincenzo. I was referring to the top level event, the Open StartUpLab for SMEs on the last Friday of each month.

I'm new to the network, so I'm trying to find out what is still active in the community.

Congrats on the progress! It does look like it's been a long road.

Permalink Reply by Vincenzo Di Maria on July 16, 2012 at 0:49

Sure, I thought so. hope the open StartUpLab is still alive too!

Network GuidePermalink Reply by Arne van Oosterom on July 16, 2012 at 7:30

:-) This is still alive and kicking. Open StartUpLAB's asre being organized.

Permalink Reply by Barrett Young on July 16, 2012 at 14:05

That's awesome! I'm new to design as a whole, so I'm devouring anything I can get my hands on. There aren't many (read: any) accounting classes or books that point to service thinking as a way of serving our customers.

I hope I'll be able to tune in via Skype to the August Lab then.

Network GuidePermalink Reply by Arne van Oosterom on July 16, 2012 at 23:43

We'll keep you updated about what we plan to do. But connect with us via Skype is always possible :-)

Permalink Reply by Randah on July 26, 2012 at 3:24

Dear Vincenzo and Barett,

perhaps both can benefit by looking more into "service design" resources as I'm sure you'll find something from what you're looking for.

Vincenzo, the competition and the blog look great. you can get even more out of it if you highlight the work-in-progress as much as the "finalist". more diagrams, sketches, prototypes, and even failures. the finalists maybe can get more highlight on their prototypes and testing as much as on their "final" business plan. the website can also highlight your findings from observation and what you realized those social entrepreneurs may have in common. that way you're using (and showing) the design thinking process, without lecturing about it.

best of luck in all.