Improving processes with 6 proven improvement methods
Smooth and fast processes without waste—that’s something we all dream of. Such a flow results in shorter lead times, fewer errors, and higher quality for every customer. To achieve and maintain this flow, it is important to carefully design, monitor, and continually seek improvements in your processes.
There are several improvement methods for streamlining processes, which we will explore in this article. Each method for process improvement has its pros and cons. Would you prefer tailored advice for your organization or a specific process? Contact our business consultants.
The Design Thinking process
People are generally dependent on fixed thinking patterns. Without these patterns, you would have to figure out anew with every door that you need to press the handle down and push simultaneously to open it. Thanks to these fixed patterns and assumptions, we can perform many everyday actions on autopilot, such as eating or walking.
We develop these fixed thinking patterns at work as well. An expert in their field often encounters a problem similar to one they’ve solved before. Therefore, the expert tackles the challenge using previously applied techniques, relying on experience and assumptions. This approach is often very useful but can sometimes result in tunnel vision, where the most logical and obvious solution is overlooked.
Design Thinking helps people think ‘outside the box.’ It is a non-linear, iterative process that teams use to understand actual users, question assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions.
Design Thinking helps teams find the sweet spot between feasibility, viability, and desirability, while considering the real needs and desires of the people for whom they are developing the solution. This method is especially suited for situations where problems are poorly defined or unknown, making it highly applicable to software development!
Published at
July 18, 2024
