Future Design
Solution

– a design sprint

A case on the design process

Hypothesis selection

With a focus on planetary boundaries and industry challenges, we selected two hypotheses to work with.

PROBLEM
SPACES

We explored the problem spaces and created a catalog of 80 ideas.

PRETOTYPE
DESIGN

Two ideas were chosen for further development and conceptualization.

CUSTOMER
RESEARCH

Gathering information from clients and obtaining feedback on the prototypes.

THE
SOLUTIONS

Future Foods Factory
Biodiversity Intelligence

FASE 1

HYPOTHESIS SELECTION

THE FIRST STEP IN OUR DESIGN SPRINT

In the initial phase of our design sprint, we began by empathizing with the challenges at hand, prioritizing the key hypotheses that would drive our design sprint. By focusing on the most critical assumptions, we ensured a clear direction for the sprint.

Our team concentrated on two major challenges:

Future production methods

How can future production be reimagined to prioritize rapid time-to-market, sustainability, and reduced labor in both production and engineering?

Biodiversity and mass extinction

How can we provide an overview of biodiversity impacts and contribute to increasing biodiversity in the face of the global extinction crisis?

Smiling colleagues working together at a meeting table.
Team collaborating, placing sticky notes on a wall for brainstorming session.

FASE 2

PROBLEM SPACES

Generating bold ideas for tomorrow’s challenges

In this phase, we explored the most critical problem spaces, focusing on biodiversity, CO2 reduction, and the scarcity of water and energy in the Process Industry.

Through collaborative ideation with experts from NIRAS Process Industry and Data Science teams, we generated over 80 ideas-ranging from the radical to the practical.

One key insight from this phase is that creativity isn’t magic; it’s a skill cultivated through method and process. Even participants who initially felt they had no ideas soon found themselves contributing to a flood of possibilities.

    FASE 3

    PRETOTYPE DESIGN

    Turning ideas into reality

    In this phase, we selected the two best ideas from the 80 generated to develop further. The group was divided into two teams based on which idea they were most passionate about. Each team then worked on developing their chosen idea into a concept.

    Two standout concepts were developed:

    Future Food Factory

    Rethinking our food system

    A flexible, large-scale food production facility using precision fermentation, advanced packaging, and machine learning to accelerate food innovation and consumer adoption.

    BIODIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE

    For supply chains in process industry

    A solution combining satellite data and machine learning to assess and reduce companies’ biodiversity impact.

    A person is trying to assemble something using a glue gun and pieces of wood.
    Group of professionals discussing ideas during a meeting at a table.

    FASE 4

    CUSTOMER RESEARCH

    Assessing engagement in concepts

    In this phase, we focused on testing whether the concepts were addressing our clients’ needs for future-proof solutions. By engaging with relevant clients, we explored how the proposed concepts could help them tackle current and future challenges, such as enhancing biodiversity, meeting sustainability goals, and complying with evolving regulatory requirements.

    The feedback provided valuable insights into how clients perceive solutions that support their commitments to biodiversity and regulatory compliance. Clients specifically highlighted the need for solutions that not only meet current standards but are also scalable and adaptable to future demands.

      FASE 5

      THE SOLUTIONS

      Showcase of the two solutions

      Future Food Factory

      Rethinking our food system

      Fostering collaboration between consumers and the food industry creates a powerful synergy, helping innovators bring new products to market while connecting with eco-conscious consumers.

      BIODIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE

      For supply chains in process industry

      A proactive way to address your supply chain’s biodiversity impact is by using satellite imagery, supply chain data, and machine learning. This generates scores and enables actionable steps to enhance biodiversity.

      Two presenters discussing biodiversity impacts in a supply chain presentation.

      Want to know more?

      Image of an employee from NIRAS Green Tech Hub with purple background

      Mathilde Molboe
      +45 53 20 00 65
      MFMO@NIRAS.DK

      Sophie
      Bech
      +45 28 14 20 44
      SBEC@NIRAS.DK