Struggling with supply chain management? It’s a common challenge, and sometimes, conventional solutions fall short. Just as it happened to one of the leading automotive companies that approached us seeking a breakthrough.
In this case, Konica Minolta’s Solution Develpment Center (SDC) department introduced Design Thinking, to structure the analysis for the client paving the way for a groundbreaking solution and a lasting partnership.

DEFINING THE PROBLEM: THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Initial meetings with our manufacturing client revealed a common challenge—unclear problem definition and a lack of understanding of user needs and expectations. Existing solutions offered only temporary relief.
Our Human-Centered Design (HCD) team embarked on a Design Thinking journey to address this challenge. Through in-depth sessions and empathy-building exercises, we got to the heart of the matter. We meticulously defined the issue, creating detailed user personas and mapping their journeys. This process yielded valuable insights and pinpointed the core problem related to the management of supply chain.

FROM IDEAS TO ACTION: PROTOTYPING AND TESTING

With a clearer picture in mind, brainstorming sessions generated a wealth of innovative ideas. We selected the most promising solution and brought it to life through careful prototyping and rigorous user testing. This iterative approach led to substantial process enhancements.
The result? Our Intelligent Information Management team designed a tailored supply chain management software that efficiently tracked materials, saving our client significant time and resources.

WHAT IS DESIGN THINKING?

Even though similar approaches to innovation have always been used in different industrial contexts, it is in 2008 that Design Thinking is presented with this name by Tim Brown in his famous article published by the Harvard Business School.

The proof of Design Thinking’s effectiveness is seen in its widespread adoption across various industries. Renowned companies like Netflix, Airbnb, Oral B, and UberEats have harnessed its power to overcome challenges and drive innovation.

DESIGN THINKING AT KONICA MINOLTA

At Konica Minolta, Human-Centered Design and applies this approach from structured problem identification to empathising with users and defining their needs. We then transform these insights into tangible solutions through creative ideation and prototype testing.

To learn more about Design Thinking framework used in KM Headquarter Japan, refer to Konica Minolta’s Design Thinking | KONICA MINOLTA (use Plug-in to see the page in English).

MEET OUR TEAM

Design thinking is a thrilling journey where we embark on a quest to truly understand our customers. It’s not just about building products, it’s about crafting experiences that resonate with the hearts and minds of those we serve. It takes time to unravel the mysteries of user needs and create solutions that leave them saying, ‘This is exactly what I needed!’ And this is incredibly satisfying.

Jiri Vasek – Head of Human Centered Design.

 

 

There are no rules limiting the use of the design thinking approach to the workplace. Life is a series of prototyping.
Don’t be afraid of failure, just try something anyway. Anyone can do it.
Let’s not think of design thinking in academic terms. Think of it as a mindset or framework.

Maz Nagano – Head of Design Centre, Japan

 

 

EXPLORE DESIGN THINKING WITH OUR TEAM

Design Thinking is not just a concept; it’s a transformative approach that can revolutionize how you tackle complex problems and deliver solutions tailored to your unique needs. Contact Us at SDC@konicaminolta.eu.