Strategy Design System: A Structured Approach to Solving Complex Challenges
The Need for a New Approach
As a decision-maker, you're likely confronting challenges that defy traditional solutions. These "Wicked Problems" – complex, interconnected issues with no clear resolution path – have become increasingly common in our organizations. You've probably experienced the frustration of applying conventional methods only to watch problems persist or transform into even more intricate challenges.
What if these mounting complexities could be transformed into opportunities? What if your organization had a structured yet flexible approach to not just solve these problems, but to leverage them as catalysts for growth and innovation?
For leaders standing at this crossroads, searching for ways to guide their organizations through uncertainty while creating meaningful change, the Strategy Design System emerges as a powerful ally.
As a decision-maker in today's rapidly evolving landscape, you're likely confronting challenges that defy traditional solutions. These "Wicked Problems" – complex, interconnected issues with no clear resolution path – have become increasingly common in our organizations. You've probably experienced the frustration of applying conventional methods only to watch problems persist or transform into even more intricate challenges.
What if these mounting complexities could be transformed into opportunities? What if your organization had a structured yet flexible approach to not just solve these problems, but to leverage them as catalysts for growth and innovation?
For leaders standing at this crossroads, searching for ways to guide their organizations through uncertainty while creating meaningful change, the Strategy Design System emerges as a powerful ally.
Structure of the Strategy Design System
The Strategy Design System is based on a multi-dimensional structure:
Four central dimensions:
Analysis of causes (Past)
Development of possibilities (future)
Personal development (Me)
Organizational development (We)
Three observation levels: The frameworks (visualized in green, red, and blue) offer different observation distances that help develop strategically relevant solutions with varying scope. They serve to assess challenges and form the basis for sustainable solution approaches.
The Solution Design Framework (Project Level)
The green framework operates at the project level and is based on the Double Diamond model of the British Design Council. It connects two essential areas:
Problem Space:
Discover Phase: Investigation of the challenge across various dimensions (technical, human, economic) through divergent thinking
Define Phase: Consolidation and analysis of the gathered data, pattern identification through convergent thinking
Solution Space:
Develop Phase: Creative search for possible solutions through divergent thinking
Deliver Phase: Precise analysis and measurement to identify the most suitable solution through convergent thinking
The framework is suitable for challenges that can be managed within a manageable project scope. It defines resources, timeframes, and budget, and requires supporting tools, programs, and methods at the individual level.
Human Decision Engineering as an Amplifier
A central element of the system is the Human Decision Engineering approach. This uses technologically advanced data processing to support human intelligence and creates new possibilities for improving:
Creativity
Decision making
Collaboration
Human Decision Engineering supports the framework process in several phases:
In the Discover Phase through collection of qualitative data and structured evaluation of feedback
In the Define Phase through AI-supported pattern recognition, summarization, and structuring
In the Develop Phase through precise problem formulations as a basis for the creative process
In the Deliver Phase through data-based evaluation of the developed solutions
It extends human limitations in dealing with complex data volumes and reduces cognitive load by providing situational access to relevant analyses.
The Strategic Dimension
In the higher-level view, it becomes clear how the system integrates additional dimensions:
A temporal axis from past to future
A Me-We dimension that connects individual and collective aspects
Various levels such as Thinking, Skills, Organization, and Culture
The projection of System, Context, Problem, Solution, Scenarios, and Vision
Through this multi-dimensionality, organizations can view their challenges in a broader context and develop both short-term and long-term solution strategies.
Benefits of the Strategy Design System
The use of the system offers several decisive advantages:
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Orientation: Clear positioning within complex challenges
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Vision Development: Structured derivation of strategic goals
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Navigation: Development of concrete missions for goal achievement
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Decision Making: Identification of relevant decision points for concrete actions
Particularly valuable is the combination of structured approach and technological support, which accelerates the process, reduces cognitive effort, and creates a continuous data foundation. At the same time, humans remain at the center of the creative process – technology supports but does not replace human creativity and decision-making ability.
Foundation for Practical Applications
The Strategy Design System provides a comprehensive framework for organizations facing complex challenges. It combines structured processes with human-centered technological support, thus enabling sustainable solution approaches. Through the integration of Human Decision Engineering, cognitive boundaries are expanded without removing humans from the center.
In a time of continuously increasing complexity and speed of change, the system offers valuable guidance for future-oriented leaders who want to shape the transition to a value-based organization.
Foundation for Practical Applications
It's important to note that this model serves as the foundation for a wide range of applications for which R3ASON and its experts provide solution processes. The Strategy Design System isn't just theoretical—it's a practical framework that has been successfully implemented across various scenarios and industries.