Ideation, Design and Testing
Use data to discover opportunities, frame problems, engage innovators, and develop valuable propositions. Test, build, and make them happen. Fas.
ABOUT
Make Innovation Productive and Deliver Value
At Studio Zao, we help organisations turn ambitious ideas into commercial and social value. Through our deep expertise in hypothesis-based problem-solving, opportunity-framing and lean design, we ensure innovation happens and delivers return on investment.
WHAT WE DO
Opportunity Discovery
Frame problems and opportunities through structured data analysis and user/customer research.
Ideate and design propositions for new products, services, processes or business models.
Formulate business cases to clearly articulate value and prioritise resources for efficient testing.
Testing and Prototyping
Design experiments and test ideas to gather evidence and prove business cases.
Create test-ready prototypes quickly and frugally to de-risk ideas and justify further resource commitment.
Build, pilot and scale propositions to show feasibility and viability and deliver ROI.
Open Innovation Engagement
Engage the innovator ecosystem to understand the art of the possible.
Consult innovators who have tried, failed or succeeded to understand nuances and gather learnings.
Gauge readiness and interest from innovators in the ecosystem to be potential partners.
WHY STUDIO ZAO?
We’ve been intrapreneurs.
Making innovation happen from within established organisations isn’t easy.
From aligning decision-makers on the case for action, articulating compelling business cases that capture low-hanging fruit without compromising on long-term value, co-creating routes to experiment at speed compliantly, and building new things in an agile and scalable way.
We’ve been there ourselves.
-
Innovation needs to deliver return on investment. So we always have our eye on value.
-
Innovation in practice is very different to theory. So we adapt and flex continually as practitioners.
-
Innovating in an organisation means you can’t be a lone wolf. So we know how to bring others along.
Our Work
CONTACT
Ready to make innovation happen?
Get in touch today to explore how Studio Zao can help your organisation make innovation happen and deliver better ROI.
-
“For businesses that need help with diversifying, this programme is really good in giving you the tools and time to think about new ideas separate from your normal working environment. Being taught how to work through idea generation in a really logical, simple way just makes the process much easier.” Katrina Dickinson Managing Director at Metaphor
Katrina Dickinson
Managing Director at Metaphor
-
“What I really valued about the programme was the structured process that Studio Zao took us all through to crystallise the problem that we were trying to solve, for whom we were solving it, why it was important, and the value of solving that particular problem for our key stakeholders.”
Graham Kennedy
Founder/Director at Alexoria Consulting
-
“There has been a strong degree of understanding, empathy and flexibility in how Studio Zao have pivoted with the circumstances that we’re facing on the programme, and that’s why we’re keen to keep working with them beyond the end of the contract.”
Paul Kirkbright
Head of Partnerships at Business Innovation & Growth South London (Sponsor / Client)
-
“We came into the programme with an idea that we felt was already ready to go to market. But we took a step back and by taking it through this very structured and rigorous process, we found that we’ve refined it and actually transformed it into a much stronger, simpler and more credible idea.”
Jill Finch
Director at Branch & Bird and Autistic Community Hub CIC
-
"The insight gathering, casting, research, planning, delivery and amalgamation into the final published report was well executed. The team brought expertise and an elevation of the conversation which enabled South London Partnership to play a convening role and allowed organisations from a range of sectors to collaborate openly in shaping the discussions and outcomes. Studio Zao are quick, responsive and work efficiently which was essential for this piece of work. The team were tenacious and helped us keep on track to deliver at pace."
Polly Persechino,
Head of Economy, Skills and Employment, South London Partnership
-
"Our workshops with Studio Zao were incredibly useful for supporting colleagues in developing their knowledge exchange projects. Moving into KE can be daunting for some academics but the input sessions from Studio Zao provided us with a range of tools and skills for getting started and growing these projects confidently. The advice and suggestions from Chris and Charlotte were thought provoking and inspiring, and I hope we are able to work with them again to support more colleagues to develop their work. Huge thanks for the Studio Zao team!"
Kate Scott,
Knowledge Exchange Lead, Kingston University
-
"SZ have been pragmatic and efficient in their undertaking of the Torbay UKSPF programme. The team have forged great relationships with businesses and stakeholders and have remained resilient throughout. I have been impressed with the headway they have made in Torbay, despite no prior experience in the vicinity. I have personally really enjoyed working closely with Chris, Flora and other members of the team and the IMPACT programme has added value to our business community."
Gemma Fitzsimmons,
Economic Development Manager & UKSPF Lead, Torbay Councilhere