Questions
Frequently asked questions.
What does WAAI Design do?
WAAI Design is the practice of Jan Van Caneghem, designer and lecturer at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences in Ghent. WAAI helps innovation managers and their sponsors move stalled innovation cases to a decision: go, pivot or stop. In weeks, not years.
Why do innovation cases stall?
Rarely because of ideas or methods. Cases stall on mandate (nobody owns the decision), evidence (assumptions are never tested) and language (the team speaks design, the board speaks business model). WAAI works on all three.
Which programme should I start with?
If the board is not aligned, start with the Mandate Sprint (3 weeks). If one case is stuck, the Case Sprint gets it to a decision in 10 weeks for a fixed €7,500. If you are on your own, Solo gives you three months of coaching on your case for €3,250. If your team needs a shared method, book the three-day in-company Masterclass. Not sure? Take the free EPIC scan, which takes four minutes.
What is the difference between the lab, the machine and the third shape?
The lab (design sprints, hackathons, pilots) is fast and user-centred but rarely leads to a decision. The machine (stage-gates, business cases, steering committees) decides, but only about what is already known. The third shape combines the speed of the lab with the decisiveness of the machine, through mandate, evidence and capability.
Do you work in Dutch and English?
Yes. Advisory, coaching and in-company work run in Dutch or English. The Community of Practice Innovated by Design runs in Dutch in Ghent; the Community of Practice Strategic Innovation runs in English.
