The Compass can help solve complex problems by generating novel, actionable ideas

North Star

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North Star

The North Star describes the organization’s overarching goal and purpose. It points to a desirable future, giving the innovation agenda both a destination (where and why) and a direction (how).

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PROBLEMS

The problem reflects the gap between the current situation and a desirable future. For systems innovation, there is no single problem or ‘right’ problem. Rather, there is an ‘ecology of problems’ – a set of interrelated problems that cut across societal and organizational systems.

Frame Problems

AWARENESS

Building awareness helps innovators see the structures and forces that shape the problem, and reveal enablers for and barriers to change. Systems awareness is needed to generate creative and viable ideas.

Build Awareness

IDEAS

Ideas are the creative, exciting opportunities that can address the problems. The aim is to generate numerous ideas, and then select those that are most viable and impactful.

Generate Ideas

ACTIONS

Actions can include new products and services, but also changes to symbols, identity and language. The aim is not to find a single action, but an ‘ecology’ of connected actions that can nudge the system and foster learning.

Explore Actions
The North Star

North Star

The North Star describes the organization’s overarching goal and purpose. It points to a desirable future, giving the innovation agenda both a destination (where and why) and a direction (how).

Get Started
North Star
Problems
Awareness
Ideas
Action