Apply Different Filters
for organizations
This Domain-Level Guide is designed to be used based on the Core Model. Please refer to the Apply Different Filters Core Practice before exploring this guide.
overview
Isolating one aspect of the subject you Observe might seem to be misleading or provide an incomplete understanding of that subject, especially in the context of complex problems and challenges. There is often great focus on details in the organizational context, and when exploring a subject through a Filter, you mask out most of the details by definition.
Applying Different Filters does not mean ignoring other details but enabling the exploration of one aspect of the subject at a time. Often, this will help you reveal details and insights which are otherwise hidden or not in focus. Ironically, you Apply Different Filters to gain a better understanding of the whole.
Different people might use various Filters by default. When you operate as part of a collective, this becomes an advantage. Sharing insights derived from applying different Filters creates a more holistic view of the subject and new opportunities for Fusions.
guide
Create the Infrastructure for Applying Useful Filters
In the organizational context, and mainly when the subject is based on hard evidence, some Filters are easier to apply when utilizing the data collected in the organization. Other Filters that could be highly useful will be harder or impossible to apply due to lack of relevant data.
By creating the data infrastructure that supports the Filters you wish to apply, utilizing this Observation Aspect becomes easier.
- Think in advance about useful Filters for different subjects and create the required infrastructure to collect the relevant data.
- Revisit the set of potential Filters and refine it continually.
- At the same time, don’t settle for Filters which are already backed up by existing data. Apply Different Filters even where data seems to be missing, at least as a thought exercise.
Explore a Single Trait of the Subject at a Time
Focusing on a single trait or aspect of the subject you explore provides you with the bandwidth to Observe it deeper and gain more meaningful insights.
When working as a team, it is often easier to do that as you can assign each team member with the task to apply one Filter and share their insights with the team later.
- Pick one aspect and explore the subject using it as a Filter.
- Capture insights based on what you Observe.
- Switch Filters and use another aspect for exploring the subject, even if you already came up with valuable insights.
Form a New Complete Understanding Using Insights From Different Filters
While each Filter results in a new set of insights regarding the subject you Observe, it is the combination of such insights which often embeds the highest potential for a future creative idea.
After Applying Different Filters, take some time to consider the various insights together, and form new ways to see and understand the subject you explore.
If each team member explored the subject by applying one Filter, make sure the insights are shared and turn into collective insights.
- Consider the insights you came up with in the context of the observed subject.
- Consider the whole in light of the new insights you have gained.
examples
Example 1
Let each member of your team explore the subject using a different Filter. Allow each member to work alone, and then run a discussion in which each team member shares their insights.
When each person focuses on one aspect of the subject, there is a greater chance that meaningful and more profound insights will emerge. When all insights are combined in the shared discussion, a new understanding of the subject is formed.