How to define a process?

For self-initiated charters

When the design studio initiates tasks and projects to improve a product, additional documentation, improvement strategies, and upliftment scopes are required.

Step #1. Define the objective

An inquisitive mind may spawn studio charters to create, refine, or change. But to wander without an aim is pointless. So start by defining our goals and objectives.

Wander with an aim
Create a mind map around the idea. We must expand our perspectives and think outside the box.

Defining the objective
Collaborate, evaluate and define the objectives. Finally, make a rough list (including formats) of our deliverables.

Step #2. Knowledge forging

Research to gain insights from similar initiatives. Superimposing these findings with the team’s intelligence and experience will serve as the foundation for process definition.

Learning from similar initiatives
Compile insights from several sources. Use the methodologies adopted by similar initiatives as a frame of reference.

Collaborate and create
We mould and create a superior version using the processes adopted by a similar initiative. Learn from their mistakes, check for gaps, and anticipate change.

Step #3. Process definition

Design a scalable template that is shared with the team. A template helps to maintain consistency and produce results in an approved format.

Defining the steps
Everyone has different approaches and opinions. We can avoid ambiguity by defining the inputs, actions, and outputs required or expected at each step.

Defining the delivery format
Agree to a delivery format. It can be anything from presentations, printouts, or digital long sheets.

Review and approval
Schedule and present the process with the stakeholders. Address their concerns and improve the process.

Step #4. Project planning

Project planning is a powerful tool used to create a roadmap for the project. This creates a transparent system for prioritizing specific segments of the project.

Prioritization
Deciding the relative importance or urgency of one segment or group of the assignment over the other.

Estimation
Assess the time required to complete a single section of the task and compound the time to produce a rough estimation for the entire assignment or a project segment.

Preparation
Define the number of resources and distribution of tasks.

Step #5. Execution and presentation

Once the assignment is complete, the deliverables must be shared with the stakeholders. Learn our client’s language and always provide an action plan.

Execution
Follow the steps and approach approved by the stakeholders and produce consistent results.

Executive summary
Summarize the insights or results into simple pointers. This section will provide a highlight of the deliverables.

Action plan
Define a list of recommendations that will serve as an action plan.