How We Work

SOM Tech begins the discovery and design phase by unpacking what we currently know about the problem area. This is especially important so that all parties involved understand the problem at hand. This phase includes objectives such as:

• understanding the work to date
• uncovering assumptions
• knowing the right questions to ask to validate/invalidate assumptions
• understanding the market and tradeoffs
• understanding the people experiencing the problem/s

Relevant tools:

Problem Statement
Assumptions
Vision and Value
Competitive Analysis
Personas

After the discover phase, we begin to converge on the insights we have collected to clearly define the problem we are trying to address. This phase includes objectives such as:

• uncovering themes from research
• analyzing insights from research
• creating a vision statement and value proposition

Relevant tools:
 

Vision and Value 
Scenarios

After defining the problem, we diverge again by brainstorming different ideas for a solution. This phase can include activities such as:

• brainstorming
• co-design / sketching / rapid prototyping
• low to medium-fidelity prototyping
• technical feasibility assessment (proof of concept, market analysis)

Relevant tools:
 

Prototyping

Finally, we converge to create a minimum viable product (MVP). An MVP is a solution that you can get in the hands of users quickly and cost effectively to gather feedback and iterate. This phase can include activities such as:

• high-fidelity prototyping
• minimum viable product definition (user story mapping)
• roadmapping

Relevant tools:
 

Minimum Viable Product
Roadmapping