EMS, R&D, 2019

How can we boost the creativity of our R&D teams?

One of the leading manufacturers of precision medical devices, with more than 600 qualified specialists, asked Think2Make to support four R&D teams in developing and improving their products.

Creativity workshop with R&D teams

Our team of facilitators first brought in various creativity and idea-selection tools to make the internal innovation process easier and more effective.

How it worked

The four R&D teams first attended a one-day training course at our premises in Neuchâtel. It introduces staff to the various creativity tools and how to use them, and so improves and eases the working sessions that follow.

Our team then took part in several working sessions to design future products. Our involvement makes it possible to apply creativity tools in the best way and so make innovation even more fertile.

Training content

Creativity training with the R&D teams
  • Learn to identify and frame a problem
  • Understand and build the components of the ideation process
  • Creativity methods, with practical exercises:
    • de Bono’s six thinking hats
    • Disney’s three chairs
    • SCAMPER
    • Dreaming method
    • Mind mapping
    • TRIZ
    • Brainstorming
  • Get to grips with the decision-making process
  • Start an innovation approach within a team

This tailor-made course was inspired by the innovation facilitation course that Think2Make runs for participants from several companies. Find out more on the action learning page.

The four sessions

The four sessions run by the Think2Make team followed these steps:

  1. Introduction to the problem
  2. Sharing of the information gathered
  3. Informal brainstorming with the team on possible combinations
  4. Presentation of the solutions shortlisted beforehand
  5. Extraction of 12 solutions
  6. Definition of 4 criteria to evaluate these solutions
  7. Evaluation of the 12 solutions
  8. Selection of 4 high-potential solutions
  9. Definition of the next actions (further data gathering to carry out the research projects)

A similar challenge?

Let’s start with a 30-minute call to assess your situation and the best way forward.

Or write to connect@think2make.ch. Reply within one business day.

Bright meeting room at Coworking Neuchâtel