Introduction to concept
INTRODUCTION TO CONCEPT When a company is in a state of crisis, potentially headed towards bankruptcy, this has immediate and far-reaching consequences, not only for the future of the company, but also for its owners, their connections, families and for society as a whole.
”To use empathy and respect to support Baltic Sea Region business owners who are experiencing a crisis in order to bring value to society and motivation for a better future.”
In addition to their economic loss, most owners find themselves in a deep, personal crisis. It is not uncommon that this is accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame. Too many business owners feel isolated with their problems, and because many people consider crisis and failure to be taboo, it is rarely something they talk about openly.
Rooted in the practice of design and design thinking, these tools can guide the process from crisis management towards innovation and new growth. It is our experience that design driven innovation has much to offer companies. This was recently validated by McKinsey, the global consulting firm, when they presented the results of a comprehensive five-year research project demonstrating the business value of design. The “McKinsey Design Index” (MDI)* shows how a strong MDI performance correlates with “superior business performance” overall. This is true across design for physical and digital products, services and combinations of these approaches.
With this concept and the tools presented herein, When a major, external crisis hits, such as the we hope to contribute to a fruitful collaboration COVID-19 pandemic, this is more relevant than to reduce the number of costly and often painful ever. Company owners and companies need help bankruptcies. None of the tools are quick fixes, to be able to adapt to new situations and/or life and they all require a sincere, dedicated effort and situations. It is most urgent to alleviate the immediate a critical look at the current practices. All the tools crisis, but it is equally important to gain insights on should be facilitated by a competent mentor in how to survive the new reality long-term. This often an atmosphere of trust and respect. Under these requires external guidance and tools that can lead conditions we believe this concept can help business and empower you to identify and grasp the potential owners identify the root causes of their crisis, of situation in relation to your business plan and strengthen their reflection, encourage them to see strategy. new opportunities and go for them.
Considering the social stigma, it is entirely understandable that many entrepreneurs are hesitant to ask for help, but sadly, this is very counterproductive. In fact, the sooner business owners can find the appropriate help and support, the better their chances are of turning their crisis into new opportunities for innovation and growth.
We hope you will enjoy reading and experiencing the value of design-driven innovation.
For this to happen the business culture needs to change, in the Baltic Sea Region and beyond. Thus, this project argues in favour of a shift towards a more open, trusting business climate in which owners feel confident to talk about the challenges they face.
Sara Velsing Groth, Alexandra Lindek, Stinna Hougaard Vinther Sørensen and Mathias Poulsen, Design School Kolding, May 2020.
The primary purpose of the Restart BSR project is this:
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www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-design/ourinsights/the-business-value-of-design
