BOOKS WHICH INSPIRE ME
SERVICE DESIGN: FROM INSIGHT TO IMPLEMENTATION
A great, practical introduction to the world of Service Design, with applicable tools and methods. From examining the core values of a service (care, access and response) to understanding service as a relationship, service design is collaborative, innovative and human-centred.
MAPPING INNOVATION
At the heart of innovation is looking for a 'good' problem to solve. This can be done by asking two pertinent questions on how well the problem and the domain are defined. This leads to the Innovation Matrix, a tool which helps practitioners answer these questions by mapping out the different types of innovation and how to approach them.
UNIVERSAL METHODS OF DESIGN
This book contains 100 tools/ techniques to enable a practitioner to conduct research into complex problems, develop innovative ideas, and design effective solutions. The methods, structured alphabetically, is categorised according to behavioural/attitudinal, quantitative/qualitative, innovative/traditional, exploratory/generative/evaluative andÂ
participatory/observational.
GOOD STRATEGY/ BAD STRATEGY
The logic of good strategy, the potential pitfalls to avoid (becoming bad strategy) and the sources of power strategists tap into are covered in detail. Although good strategy is rare, good strategy is coherent and consists of three elements (described as the kernel):
A diagnosis that defines or explains the nature of the challenge
A guiding-policy for dealing with the challenge
A set of coherent-actions that are designed to carry out the guiding-policy
THE DESIGN OF EVERYDAY THINGS
Good design brings people and product/service together. However, the rapid advancement of technology has made designing for people an increasing challenge. Key lessons include:
Psychological levels users engage with a product/service
Role of constraints
How to create human-centred design, including ideation, prototyping and testing