Innovate Actions explained

Once a wide range of options have been generated, healthy critique of those options reveals which is most promising. Then plans can be constructed to answer What will be made real? and actions can be taken.

This is the second part of design. Design includes conceptualization—generating new ideas—and innovation—bringing those ideas into the world. Innovation requires as much creativity as conceptualization.

Consequently, this step draws from traditions of design, but also from politics. Specifically, it involves political debate about what is possible, what can actually be done and how, and which direction(s) will be taken. Sample triggering questions include:

How will the organization’s purposes and the interests of its members and other stakeholders best be served by each alternative future being considered?

What actions will bring about the desired, attainable future?

Who may benefit and who may be harmed by proposed actions?

Who will do what to ensure that the future image is realized?