360 degrees
Developing ideas from the power of many perspectives.
360 degrees is a method with which ideas for new products, services or specific business challenges can be developed and further qualified from different perspectives.
The method utilises the diversity of an interdisciplinary group to go beyond obvious solutions. Impulses from different industries, working methods and creative practices open up a broader thinking space for innovation.
Why 360 degrees?
In innovation processes, the idea phase is crucial - and often challenging. The first ideas are often similar because they arise from familiar routines, industry logic or the same perspectives.
360 degrees creates a framework in which people with different backgrounds can contribute their views on an issue. Collaboration with creative professionals is particularly valuable here: They are skilled at shifting perspectives, recombining ideas and making unusual approaches productive.
The method therefore not only helps to develop more ideas, but above all better ones: more differentiated, more compatible and more sustainable.
How does the method work?
360 degrees is carried out in two consecutive steps - ideally in an interdisciplinary or cross-industry group.
It starts with a specific challenge, for example the question of how a service can be improved, an offer rethought or customer satisfaction increased. After a joint briefing, the participants first develop individual ideas on this question.
The ideas are then presented to the group, for example on a mood board or whiteboard. The team listens, asks questions and reflects on what seems relevant, surprising or connectable. A few ideas with particular potential are selected from the large number of approaches.
Between two work phases, these ideas are further developed, honed and deepened individually. In a second workshop, the further developed drafts are presented again and jointly reflected upon.
Through this interplay of individual elaboration and collective exchange, the ideas are consolidated step by step.
What are the benefits of 360 degrees?
360 degrees strengthens the quality of ideas because different points of view are not only collected but also productively related to each other.
This results in solutions that are more innovative, more relevant and often more robust than approaches that have only been developed within a single department.
The method is particularly effective where companies want to break new ground and are open to looking at their issues together with other disciplines.
When is the method useful?
360 degrees is particularly suitable for
- the ideation phase in innovation processes
- Developing ideas for products and services
- interdisciplinary teams and cross-industry constellations
- Issues where new perspectives are expressly desired
The method is less suitable if only final, data-based decisions are to be made. Its strength lies in opening up, consolidating and qualitatively developing ideas.
Tips from practice
Good facilitation is crucial for the success of the method. Selection and evaluation in particular require sensitivity so that different perspectives remain productive.
The composition of the group is equally important: the more diverse the professional and creative backgrounds, the greater the added value.
The time gap between two workshops is also helpful. Ideas can mature in the meantime and be further developed with new depth.
Framework conditions
- Duration: two workshops with reflection time in between
- Group size: interdisciplinary teams with a maximum of five people
- Setting: on site, digital or hybrid
- Material: whiteboard or mood board, moderation cards or post-its, pens
360 degrees in the Cross Innovation Hub
In the Cross Innovation Hub, we use 360 degrees when companies' challenges really need to be rethought.
The method makes the strength of cross innovation directly tangible: Innovation arises from the interplay of different perspectives - especially from business and the creative industries.
Creative professionals not only contribute fresh impetus, but also professional methodological expertise in the evaluation of ideas and further development of approaches. This is precisely what makes 360 degrees a method that goes beyond classic brainstorming.
Contact person
- Dr Susanne Eigenmann
- Knowledge Manager Cross Innovation Hub
- 040 2372435-54 Kurzbiografie
As knowledge manager at the Cross Innovation Hub, Susanne is responsible for all questions relating to the theory of innovation, cross-industry collaboration, creativity, futurology, trends and much more. She develops topics, provides background information and decision-making aids, organises discussions and communication events on all issues relating to cross innovation and is always interested in learning and exchanging ideas.
Before joining Kreativ Gesellschaft, Susanne worked as a research assistant at the University of Hamburg and as a personal assistant to the theatre director at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus. In her work as a freelancer with creative people from various sectors, such as cultural professionals and artists, she has always marvelled at how naturally, quickly and enthusiastically they create new things and move openly in new terrain. It was therefore also a wonderful development for her when she was able to help develop the Cross Innovation Hub at Kreativ Gesellschaft and be part of it, opening up the strengths of the creative industries to other sectors of the economy.
