An increasing number of organisations are adopting design thinking as an alternative approach to problem-solving and innovation. Design thinking is characterised by user-centredness, utilising an iterative process, the adoption of a systemic perspective, and the application of logic based on the premise of ‘what may be’ rather than ‘what is’. Many companies are using design thinking to support their digital transformation as they look to establish significantly new IT enabled products and services, and - thinking further ahead – begin considering changing their overall business model.
This event is the first of a series to bring together a selected group of senior managers working on these issues. It will begin with the presentation of research findings on the nature and effects of design thinking, especially in digital transformation contexts, and will include in-depth presentations on Emirates Group’s ongoing digital transformation and on the joint use of design thinking and the lean start-up method in mobility services. The aims of this event are to connect with practitioners from other organisations, share experiences and learning, improve performance through the application of solid principles and effective practices, access current research, and influence the developing agenda in this area.
Agenda
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17:00-18:00 |
Registration and pre event drinks |
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18:00-18:45 |
How large companies are using design thinking practices to digitally transform Pietro Micheli, Professor of Business Performance and Innovation, Warwick Business School In this interactive session, we will discuss how design thinking can support organisations’ efforts to digitally transform. Pietro will start by identifying ten distinctive attributes of design thinking as well as eight main tools and methods. He will then present research findings from eight large multinational companies operating in different sectors (financial services, aerospace, medical devices and pharmaceutical), all intent in deploying design thinking practices and undergoing digital transformations. In doing so, he will discuss key enablers, barriers and most effective practices. |
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18:45-19:00 |
Short break |
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19:00-19:30 |
Unlocking the potential of the digitally connected ecosystem Juliette Iles, Transformation Project Lead, The Emirates Group New technologies enable Emirates to create a new business model centred on the personalisation of travel and delivered through artificial intelligence and process automation. This transformation is designed to be an integrated solution, impacting all areas of the business. The biggest challenge will lie in the implementation of such a large-scale change, with extensive technological and - more importantly - cultural implications. |
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19:30-20:00 |
Combining design thinking and lean start-up in mobility services Kevin McCullagh, CEO and Founder of Plan London In many technology companies, design thinking has been merged with - or superseded by - the lean start-up approach which originated in software engineering. Whilst both approaches share similarities, such as user-centricity and value iterative prototyping, there are also important process and cultural differences. Kevin will clarify the pros and cons of each approach in the context of developing mobility services, before articulating a hybrid method. |
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20:00-21:00 |
Dinner and networking |