Environmental factors
What
Environmental factors is a technique for considering the contextual factors that are important for the designed solution to work.
Why
A solution always works in a context of written and unwritten rules, in which people and organisations work, norms and values apply, interests and needs play a role, and so on. For the solution to be successful it is important to be in harmony with these factors or to make use of them.
How
- Elaborate the framework of environmental factors on a whiteboard, flip chart, wall or table, or use the sample template.
- Identify the contextual factors that influence the functioning of the solution.
- Cluster the factors and select the six most important ones. Give them a name and write them down in the corners of the framework.
- For the context in which the solution is to be implemented, decide the extent to which this factor plays a role and what impact it might have on the solution’s success. Indicate this in the framework.
- Consider options for working in harmony with or making use of the six factors. What does this mean for the solution itself? And what should be taken into account during implementation or scaling up?