The Double Diamond has been a trusted framework in the design and innovation world for years. Its clear structure—discover, define, develop, and deliver—has helped countless teams navigate complex challenges and bring creative ideas to life. I personally have used the Double Diamond regularly and appreciate its ability to guide small, focused groups through the process of problem-solving and solution creation. It's a brilliant tool when the task is clear, and the team is dedicated to crafting something new.
But times have changed. We now live in the age of rapid implementation. The world moves fast, and ideas need to turn into action quickly. A well-crafted plan that isn't implemented immediately risks wasting resources and may never come to fruition. In this high-speed environment, traditional models like the Double Diamond reveal their limitations. They excel in structured environments but falter when broad engagement and swift action are essential.
Recognizing this shift, we've developed and refined a model we call Engagement Candy. This approach prioritizes implementation from the very first steps. By involving a wide range of people early in the process, Engagement Candy naturally fosters buy-in for the final outcome. This deep involvement doesn't stop at ideation—it's reinforced during the deliver phase, where participants are invited to actively implement the solution.
Engagement Candy isn't here to replace the Double Diamond entirely. The Double Diamond still holds a special place in our toolkit and remains the best option for certain projects. However, when fast execution and solid buy-in are critical, we confidently recommend Engagement Candy. It shines in contexts where solutions blend end-user actions with developed outcomes—especially in adaptive, emotion-driven areas like company culture and strategy. Increasingly, even fluid and adaptive software solutions benefit from this model.
In the age of engagement and rapid implementation, it's time to rethink how we turn ideas into action. Engagement Candy offers a dynamic, inclusive path forward—and we believe it's the perfect tool for meeting today's challenges head-on.
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