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The Innovation Process
Module 3.2

Solution Adapation

Map necessary changes for different potential solutions

Once you’re satisfied with your organisation’s ability to absorb and adopt a new solution, your next task should be to assess how well the solution fits the design criteria you created in the Recognition stage. You may even want to compare different solutions that you’ve found in order to assess which is the best fit.

Using your design criteria, you can first create a checklist to help you assess the fit of a solution to the criteria. You will also need to take a view on the maturity of your found solution(s). If a solution is technology based, you can use the Technology Readiness Scale to inform your decisions. For non-technology-based solutions, you will need to assess the evidence base.

Next you will have to assess how adaptable the core components of any other potential solutions are in order to see whether they have the potential to provide a better fit. Finally, you can use the Decision Matrix to compare a shortlist of solutions and identify the best fit.

Activities

3.2 A Assess solutions against design criteria
This activity will help you review your original design criteria and evaluate each of your shortlisted solutions against those specifications, capturing key insights from your discussions.
3.2 B Assess solution maturity
This activity will help you assess the maturity of your shortlisted solutions to better understand how widespread their use is in the humanitarian sector, or beyond, and their applicability to your problem.
3.2 C Assess solution adaptation requirements
This activity will help you assess and understand the components of your shortlisted solutions that are delivering value, how adaptable these are, and what adaptations would be required.
3.2 C Evaluate all potential solutions
This activity will help you carry out a final assessment of each of your shortlisted solutions before articulating and recording in writing your decision on which solution to take forward.