this help your business? To innovate, consider the four key principles of design: 360 degree thinking, prototyping, collaboration, and execution. 360 degree thinking Yes, it's a clich, but 360 degree thinking can help you identify new ways of looking at your business. Designers have the freedom to look at every angle, from the simple to the complex. We can ask more obvious questions that no one else might have considered and we really try to get under the skin of our client's businesses and needs. By doing the same, you can clarify the value of new products, services or process innovations from not one, but several viewpoints, especially those of the customer. Prototyping Whether you offer a product or service, create a prototype and get feedback. Ask for opinions and critiques from your target audience and establish what works and what doesn't. Keep trialling, testing and re-testing until you are happy you have created a perfect solution for your client. Collaboration Think realistically. As much as I would like to think that I can do everything, I have learnt to appreciate that I can't. By utilising and collaborating with other designers and creatives my work benefits and is set apart from others. Working collaboratively offers the opportunity to see things from a different viewpoint and allows a completely rounded approach. In your organisation, why not try collaborating with other departments? This way you can get thoughts, feelings and feedback, helping you to ensure your product or service stands out over