Inclusive innovation with The Exception Method

What is The exception method

The Exception Method

Is the process of finding one exceptional

human, designing for them specifically and translating the learnings into universal design

principles

If you design for the average,

you get average answers

If you design for the exception,

you get exceptional answers

The exception method mission

1Inspire product teams to think differently

about design challenges

The Exception Method mission

Drive value into products whilst helping vulnerable members of society2

The Exception Method mission

Make products that are better for everyone3

The Exception Method mission

Meet Susan

perspective

Low ability

Ability

High abilityAverageHigher demand Higher demand

Popu

latio

n

Tech excluded Early adopter

Reduces the paradox of choice by personalizing

the content

An exceptional voice UI that…

Uses audio semiotics to allow for more complex

decision trees

Offers a more friendly from factor makes a

more enjoyable experience

The classic inclusive design approach

Starting Point for inspiration

Inclusivity filter Inclusivity filter

Higher demand user A

Higher demand user B

Low ability

Ability

High abilityAverageHigher demand Higher demand

Popu

latio

n

Tech excluded Early adopter

Starting Point for inspiration

Universal value Validation filter

Higher demand user

Higher demand user

Evolved inclusive innovation approach

Starting Point for inspiration

Universal value Validation filter

Higher demand user A

Higher demand user B

How to choose the exception?

They should highly benefit if given access to your product

The exception is typically unconsidered / left out of your category

1

The exceptions solution is beneficial to a wider audience

The exception’s challenge represents an extreme version of the mirco-

challenges for your core users2

This drives deeper empathy within the design team and with-it better storytelling for sharing the knowledge

The exception is a real person you have real access to

3

The exception method training sprint

Sprint preparation The exception method

Workshop

Workshop the exception for the upcoming sprint, carefully selecting and prioritizing the right exceptional user for optimum product innovation

Recruit design team and users in enough time for sprint itself – at least 2 weeks before the sprint

Sprint day-by-day exception method

Day 1

Product & customer immersion

Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

Meet the exception

Exceptional insights

Show and tell with the exception

Exception provocations

Day 6

Universal design principles

Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10

The big test day What did we learn?

Socialising the discoveries

Communication & storytelling

Inspire teams to think differently

about design challenges

Benefits to the training

1Drive value into products while

helping vulnerable members of society

2Deliver more

inclusive solutions that reaches a wider audience

3Give teams even

more pride in their work

4

Thank you @rubysteel