Systems Thinking for Early Validation of User Needs in the Front End of Innovation; a Case Study in an Offshore SoS

Abstract

This paper focuses on applying Systems Thinking for early validation of user needs in the front end of innovation for extending an offshore SoS with renewable energy. A high degree of uncertainty and ambiguity characterizes this early phase. Early validation of user needs is assumed to be a key for successful value creation in the early phase development of new systems. The user needs can be difficult to understand and subject to change due to the ambiguous nature of the innovation process. Systems Thinking is a mindset that increases understanding of the system´s context and behavior; it helps identifying possible leverage points. This paper applies Systems Thinking methodology in a real case for an industrial project adding renewable energy to offshore installations. We developed in this research graphical presentations to communicate system openness and user needs for the operational phase of the system. The graphical presentations were tested out on stakeholders. We found the Systems Thinking methodology and the graphical presentations to be helpful tools for successful stakeholder communication with the purpose of early validation of user needs.