Background
A useful evaluation framework for a consulting project or IT engagement is to use the 4D’s process that is used as one of the main frameworks used in “Design Thinking“.
Though this process is outlined in a linear format below, this is not the case in reality. Ideas in later stages often need to involve more discovery, and indeed may need additional definition, or may spark another wave of innovative thinking that could develop new possible solutions.
During the post-engagement wrap up and debrief process, this framework can be used to guide the types of questions to consider using to measure the effectiveness of a project.
The Framework
1 – Discover
During this stage your team works with your services firm to research and understand the problem you are looking to solve. Your services partner needs to understand your business domain, competitive landscape and trends in the industry.
2 – Design
During this stage you work with your services partner to clearly articulate the issue to be solved. It can be useful to create a brief or project document the describes what the purpose of the engagement is. You and your partner should understand what is in and our of scope.
3 – Develop
Your service partner deploys their talent and experience to come up with ways that the problem can be solved, thinking as broadly as possible and coming up with a range of possible solutions. The firms talent mix should match the complexity of the project.
4 – Deliver
The optimal solution is refined and implemented. Your service firm provides a deliverable that solves the problem in the most effective and efficient way possible. They need strong project management skills, and an awareness of the commercial realities to deliver an outcome that is meets requirements, is high quality, is on-time and also cost-effective.
For a more academic article on Design Thinking, please read “4 STAGES OF DESIGN THINKING” by Esther Han at Harvard Business Online.