There’s a toolbox, filled with stuff to help you along the way.
There are two basic tools (the Role Cards and The Method roadmap) and lots of additional tools.
PS. You can still order the sets of Role Cards and the Method Roadmap (board or poster). If you’re interested, please send an email to Daphne Depassé.
There’s a method to help you on your way. It’s called “The Lab”: a roadmap with six (+1) phases. This tool provides a visual representation of the method – the process. The Plan B method isn’t a tight linear process, with ‘closed’ steps defined. The six phases are all in relation to one another and there will always be switches between them. Just as in our ‘normal lives’. Of course, there’s is a certain direction in the process, which will help you get moving.
By using this tool, it’s always clear where you are on you’re journey and where you’re going to. And everyone has the same understanding. used as a communication and explanation tool, (“We are here, we’re going one step back, we’re speeding up to.., we park this for a while, etc). This tool could be used as a board, or in a large wall poster format, where you can put stuff like post-its, drawings, texts).
This roadmap is inspired by Design Thinking, but Plan B is more than just a practical approach for Design Thinking. Two phases are added and the whole process is reversed into a practical approach. The six phases (or stages) are:
B Prepared
Set up: define & prepare. Starting the journey, exploration, defining your challenge, system and (shared and individual) values and interests.
B Curious
Discover/Uncover. Investigate and understand, discover and uncover the situation, causes and needs. Experience & Express.
+1 B Focused (Value!)
Value is the ‘stage’ in the middle of the process. This is the central point of focus, so you fully understand where you are headed, what your goal is and what the value is you want to create and for whom.
B Creative
Imagine. Be creative, generate lots of amazing ideas and select the most powerful idea(s).
B Experimental
Prototype: create & test. Design concepts, come out of the abstract zone and make your idea tangible in order to test and refine.
B Effective
Make it feasible, convince, tell the story.
And realize: make it all happen.
B Adaptive
Evaluate and monitor the solution, adapt, improve, make it a cyclical process.
Plan B exists of six (+1) roles. A deck of cards with all the roles represented. These roles will keep you on track. They provide a solid approach to make sure you have the right focus – all the way through.
When a person assumes a role, he makes sure that the corresponding aspects are “safe guarded”. Within teams, these roles also help to provide clarity in responsibilities and positions. Members can determine which role they take. And they can switch roles. The use of these roles also provides an element of play and supports multiple viewing.
Here they are:
The Master of Value
Guards the right focus throughout the process. Monitors the direction and the common goal: to create value. Real value. Ensures proper focus of attention during the whole journey and represent the voice of all the stakeholders. What’s the value we are creating? And for whom?
The Set Designer
Takes care of an optimal setting – in the broadest sense. That means providing an appropriate, stimulating and enhancing location to support the required activities. The Set Designer monitors a positive and optimistic vibe and knows the value of fun, playing and humour. And of course, good coffee.
The Storyteller
Monitors common understanding by verifying the message and making things explicit and translated into simple and clear (visual) messages. Also knows how to tell the story in a way that affects people and boosts their enthusiasm. Uses the most appropriate tools, in line with the purpose and audience. And is not afraid to use alternative tools, such as storytelling and the use of images, movies and metaphors.
The Innovator
Focuses on opportunities and the future. On ‘what can be’ and ‘What if’. Stimulates to unscrew the system and act different. Promotes creative and intuitive thinking, experimenting and making (useful) mistakes. Draws inspiration from unexpected environments. Knows the value of co-creation. And stimulates embracing and dealing with the unexpected.
The Multiple Viewer
“The InsightFull”. Enriches the observation by seeing things from several different angles and perspectives. Thinks and sees holistically, across all borders. Thinks in and/and, instead of or/or. With multiple viewpoints, always seeing multiple truths, depending on the different perceptions and interpretations.
The Coach
Takes care of ‘the green wave’: going forward without barriers. Provides the best possible conditions and brings out the best in all players. Stimulates action and speed. Is coach, co-initiator, organizer, inspirer, but above all: facilitator. Has deeper knowledge of Plan B and the wide range of tools available. (Everyone who has acted once according to Plan B is ready to be a Coach the next time. That’s the principle of sustainability of Plan B).
You
This role is all about You. “You are not stuck in traffic, you ARE traffic”. Get personal. See yourself as part of ‘the system’ and know your role, needs, interests. And enjoy the support you’ll get by sharing this. Be aware of your “Voice of Judgement”: postpone your judgment and examine assumptions. See, learn and reflect. And enjoy the journey.
Besides, every phase has its own ’toolbook’.
This includes:
A What-Why-How card.
With information about:
- WHAT: what the phase is about and what it means – what you’re going to do.
- WHY: why the phase is needed; the importance of the phase – why you should do it.
- HOW: practical hands-on information – how you could do it.
Lots of helpful how-to tools (available in English and Dutch).
You can use whatever you need. It’s not a prison. It’s your playground.
These are all concrete tools, techniques and tips & tricks, to carry out activities.
And we have additional tools, like posters.
Not only cool, but useful as well.
Like our 14 Mindset Principles of Plan B.