Validation in the Wild: Introducing the Micro Pilot (Chicago)

Too often, innovation stalls at the concept stage — the point where people start saying, “Nice idea, but how do we know it’s going to succeed?” Good question! And one that has stymied countless innovation teams. We need better tools for shepherding new ideas from prototype to market success.

Join us at IIT Institute of Design (ID) for a discussion on Micro Pilots. ID alumni and gravitytank designers, Lauren Braun and Dave Sonders, will share their new framework that combines the user-centered mindset of design thinking with the speed and agility of Lean Startup. Micro Pilots enable innovation teams to quickly shape compelling new products, services and business models, while also gathering the empirical data needed to establish conviction around a new opportunity.

About Lauren
Lauren Braun is a strategist at gravitytank. She helps clients define, shape, and test new offerings and craft stories compelling enough to move ideas from the slide onto the shelf. Prior to gravitytank, she worked in public affairs and international development. She holds a Masters of Design from IIT Institute of Design as well as a BA in art history and a BBA, both from the University of Michigan.

About Dave
Dave Sonders helps organizations turn ideas into breakthrough products and services. He leads high-profile innovation efforts across diverse industries including consumer electronics, digital services, hospitality, retail and packaged goods. As senior leader of gravitytank’s Startup Domain, Dave has been spearheading our effort to blend startup methods with corporate innovation. He holds a Master of Design Methods degree from IIT Institute of Design and a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan. He is also an adjunct professor at the Institute of Design, where he teaches a capstone course on New Product Definition.