WEL Networks
Unpacking our Innovation Process for We.EV.
Background
Innovation is a messy business but we have a formula that we've used time and time again to help organisations arrive at new product and service breakthroughs.
This case study journeys through our work with WEL Networks to realise the first innovative product to exit our innovation pathway for WEL - We.EV. A new offering that helps organisations save time, and money, on transitioning their fleet to EV using We.EV’s hands-on innovation. We.EV is a smarter EV charging and management infrastructure solution that helps businesses get future-ready.
We used our proprietary Experience Innovation System as part of the Innovation Delivery Pathway to put structure around the process for WEL.
1. Define
Defining the future-state strategy to raise innovation funding.
2. Ideate
Using our design thinking toolkit to arrive at multiple ideas for synthesis and evaluation.
3. Validate
Testing and learning what is desirable to our target customers.
4. Execute
Developing our solution, it's brand and go-to-market.
The Experience Innovation System fits neatly into the commonly used lean innovation process.
1. Define
The first step was to help the WEL Exec with their future state energy strategy positioning to raise innovation funding. In typical D&Co storytelling fashion we unpacked a series of papers, and through a multi-workshop format with the WEL team, we pulled together a powerfully engaging and strategically strong Board paper. We never underestimate the power of storytelling when helping our clients to raise funds, pitch new ideas, or win new business. It’s in D&Co’s DNA and we love helping our clients with storytelling.
2. Ideate
After this initial piece of strategic consultancy we deployed key tools from the Experience Innovation System to help teams from across WEL arrive at new ideas for exploration. The Experience Innovation System is packed with simple yet effective design thinking tools that get the creative juices flowing. For this design sprint we used 5 key design thinking methods across 4 cross-functional ideation workshops to arrive at a multitude of new product and service ideas.
“D&Co's broad offering not only helped us with strategy positioning and storytelling, and facilitating an innovation design sprint but also extended to service design and a draft MVP for our new We.EV product. On top of that they then ran a rapid CX programme concluding in customer validation of our new We.EV service offering. They then went on to develop the brand strategy, visual identity and go-to-market!
We're delighted with the level of engagement, creativity and programme support from D&Co. They've been an incredible partner and we continue our relationship as we explore and develop new energy service innovations.”
— Kerry Green, GM Energy Services, WEL Networks
3. Validate
Synthesising outputs from our ideation workshops was the next step and in doing so we were able to create multiple prototypes. This led to a test and learn cycle as we explored what was desirable to our target customers.
We developed an installation at WEL’s head office for employees to explore the outputs of the sprint. From outlining the strategy, delving into the voice of the business, our sprint concepts and prototypes, and taking our concepts to pilot.
One territory for exploration became clear which led us to develop a more comprehensive service design plan and assumed customer journey for this concept. The journey was then tested with potential customers to validate our thinking.
As sure as night follows day a number of key changes were made to the service proposition based on insights from our qualitative customer research. We then worked up a draft customer value proposition (CVP) and minimum viable product (MVP) which was again tested with potential customers.
With universal support from potential customers the decision was made to progress with the service proposition and other partners were brought in to work on the operational side of the business. D&Co shifted modes from our innovation led function to brand strategy, visual identity and go-to-market activations.
"It's been an incredible opportunity to work with the WEL Networks Exec on strategy development and to take that through our Innovation Delivery Pathway to the realisation of a go-to-market product in We.EV. We've leveraged all 3 of our core capabilities; Brand, Experience, and Innovation throughout this engagement as well as our latest Transformation offering that ensures ideas become reality through PMO and world-class programme management."
— Russell Douglas, Founder & Principal Strategist, D&Co
4. Execute
With the service proposition green lit to move into pilot we shifted gears and started work on the brand strategy, positioning, naming, story and the visual identity system. We landed on the name We.EV which is all about the ‘we’ being 100% owned by the community. The brand strategy and visual identity system have been well received as we now take We.EV to market. It’s early days but interest is high and We.EV already have a number of cornerstone clients on board!
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