Technology has become an essential tool in changing how we work today. It's helping to make workplaces accessible and more inclusive for everyone. At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critical to the success of organizations, technology can help break down barriers and create opportunities for all to succeed. Yet, many workplaces are not taking advantage of this capability of technology yet, thus falling short of DEI practices. Companies can use tech tools to help create a workplace where everyone can shine. Technology can help with hiring practices, how employees learn and grow, and how programs and products demonstrate a focus on equitable access to all.
Ready to level up workplace DEI with tech? Let’s do this! You could win big $$$. In this Challenge, you’ll pitch an idea to Lenovo for a business, product, or campaign that leverages technology and addresses the question:
How can technology be used to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace?
The Challenge is Sept 23-Nov 1, 2024.
Now, it’s time to answer your Big Question from the Focus phase. In this phase, you’ll generate tons of ideas and choose one to pursue. Then, you'll create your idea. Get creative and embrace wild ideas!
By the end of the Imagine phase, you should have:
Brainstormed a lot of ideas for a solution
Identified your solution and be able to explain why you chose this solution
Designated the category that your solution fits into: product design, business concept, or marketing campaign
⏱️Time: 2-3 Hours (during Week 2 of Challenge)
✏️Use the optional KNOtebook to record notes and questions
💼 Mentor: Get feedback from a mentor on your idea
🎯 Future Ready Skills: Problem-Solving, Collaboration
The solution that you ultimately choose will fall into ONE of three categories. You may want to keep this in mind during your brainstorm! You'll be choosing ONE of the categories. Flip each card to review your choices.
Product Design
Product Design
Create a concept for a new or improved product. Perhaps an app? A game? An everyday item?Business Concept
Business Concept
Do you have an idea for a new business, organization, or service to address the problem you identified? Maybe a youth-run non-profit? A storefront business? A mobile service? An online venture?Marketing Campaign
Marketing Campaign
Reach a lot of people and raise public awareness through a marketing effort, using media, messaging, or an event to target specific people.Brainstorming is an effective way to produce a lot of ideas quickly, to solve problems, and to build enthusiasm! Select from the videos to get tips and see brainstorming in action. No need to watch all of the videos.
Watch an example of a KnoPro brainstorming session. The following brainstorming process is a suggested method. When you brainstorm, TAKE YOUR TIME! It could be a multiday process so you can have time to think.
Brainstorming Techniques (2:05)
Example brainstorming process (1:57)
Brainstorming Strategies (5:31)
Once you’ve reviewed the feedback from a mentor, consider if you want to combine or revise any of the ideas. Use any of the following methods to help you choose one idea. Select each of the first two images to watch a video.
You can use the Starbursting technique to help you dig deeper into your potential solutions. Here's an example from a backpack campaign.
Do a SWOT analysis to ensure that you've thought about all aspects of your product. A SWOT analysis is a technique for assessing your ideas to help you improve or change your ideas before finalizing.
Use the PRO criteria to evaluate your ideas: Purpose: Which idea addresses the need best?Results: Which idea will make a big impact? Originality: Which idea do we think is the most unique?
Now, It’s time to choose one of your ideas to prototype! Discuss, vote, and choose one idea to pursue. You may want to use one or more of the suggestions below. Select each plus sign to learn about these techniques.
Do you feel prepared to move on and start creating you solution? Can you explain the following to someone or write your responses in your KNOtebook. If so, great! You're well on your way! Flip the cards to check yourself.
Your Solution
Your Solution
What is your solution? What steps did you use to arrive at this solution? What were your top three ideas? How did you decide to select your top idea?Why this Solution?
Why this Solution?
Why did you choose this solution? Refer to the PRO criteria: Purpose: How does this idea addresses the need? Results: How will your idea make a big impact? Originality: How is your idea unique?Category
Category
Which category does your solution fit into: product design, business concept, or marketing campaign?