In 14 weeks from strategy to innovative ideas
Challenge. Signature Foods wants to grow sustainably. To fulfil this ambition, the organisation was looking for a practical and structured method to drive innovation within specific business challenges.
Approach. We developed an intensive ‘learn & do’ programme, in which we took six multidisciplinary Signature Foods teams step-by-step through the Design Thinking method.
Signature Foods, known for brands such as Johma, Delio, Heks’nkaas, Westland and Topking, wants to grow sustainably. They needed a working method that supports marketers and category managers in developing effective strategies and innovative concepts. We developed an intensive ‘learn & do’ programme, in which we took them step-by-step through the Design Thinking method.
Challenge
To achieve their ambition of sustainable growth, Signature Foods was looking for a methodology that helps marketers and category managers develop effective strategies and innovative concepts. The challenge was to find a practical and structured method that drives innovation within specific business challenges.
Approach
We set up an intensive ‘learn & do’ programme for six multidisciplinary teams within Signature Foods, with a total of 30 participants. The teams worked together on innovation challenges within their domains in an approach based on the core principles of Design Thinking:
- Scope, Discover & Frame – During the first training day, the teams went through the first three phases of the Design Thinking cycle. Through customer insights and market analysis, they determined initial directions for innovation and growth. They also mapped what knowledge and insights were still missing.
- Deepen – In the following weeks, the teams independently gathered additional insights through interviews, observations, social media analysis and desk research.
- Ideate and Build – On the second training day, the teams generated innovative concepts based on the insights gathered. The most promising ideas were developed into initial prototypes.
- Interim coaching sessions – In between, there were four separate online meetings with each team, to discuss progress.
- Sharing session – In a final session, the teams presented their concepts to colleagues and senior management. This resulted in strategic and inspiring solutions.
What results did the project yield?
Design Thinking provides a structured way to approach innovation challenges. The method helps teams empathise with consumers’ real needs and encourages multidisciplinary collaboration.
The programme gave Signature Foods’ teams concrete tools to develop innovative ideas. By engaging directly with consumers, observing shopping behaviour and testing concepts, they put Design Thinking principles into practice. This led to innovative and strategic insights that are directly applicable within the organisation.
Thanks to this approach, Signature Foods has a methodology that takes a structural approach to innovation and enables teams to independently achieve impactful innovations.
Do you like what you see?
Reach out if you think we’re a good match. Specific questions? Let us know, we would love to hear from you!
