THE ORANGE SPARKLE BALL innovation stack
Our work is designed to consistently consider the four layers of our Innovation Stack. All of the layers are necessary to create change - considering the ecosystem, intentionally designing the program or platform, running pilots or projects within it, and supporting the people who are championing change.
And, we know that storytelling is the key to successful change management. So, we build standard communication milestones into every project.
Ecosystem
The more we all understand the ecosystem in which we work, the more effective we can be. Orange Sparkle Ball focuses on building a data driven understanding of the ecosystem through network analysis techniques. This allows us to understand the roles of key players within the ecosystem. And, that data-driven understanding of the ecosystem allows us to precision intervene to pull less connected organizations more fully into the ecosystem.
Program/Platform
Intentionally building a platform, with clear metrics, allows for measurement of the momentum of a given initiative. Reporting on these metrics continues the momentum to push change forward. As part of our change management approach, each platform or program requires a wrap-around communications strategy so that stakeholders understand how the platform is being built. We also facilitate ecosystem members to identify priorities and build consensus for an actionable innovation roadmap, developing logic models and using metrics to track progress toward outcomes.
Projects/Pilots
Iterative low risk tests, which we call pilots, are integral to building a platform or program. We design and run pilots, implementing low risk projects intended to drive change and create new working relationships. These pilots can be testing anything new, whether that is a new internal process or a new startup technology intended to solve a business challenge. A key part of this work involves developing pilot KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and community engagement plans to understand all angles of successes as well as opportunities for improvement.
People
Finally, we know that people are key to the success of any initiative. We focus on people working to drive change within their organizations and provide them the tools needed to enable and empower them. Our Immersive Innovation Labs are a structured approach to helping innovators design pilots. We use Project-Centered Innovation Coaching to help innovators overcome the inevitable obstacles that are encountered when trying to create change.
