The HCX Process

In order to truly innovate you must first build insight. We developed this process to control cost, identify and help lower risk as well as involve all stakeholders early.

Each of our projects and programs began with Discovery. The case studies you see on this site are the outcome of this process. They were developed to address specific challenges and audiences.

Discover > Define > Conceive > Select > Develop > Implement > Renew - then repeat

Discovery - Innovation begins with insight. We begin by building insight.

All of our programs begin with the rigorous process of discovery, where we dig deeply into the client’s brand behaviors, needs, objectives and audiences to develop real insight. We need to do this before we present potential solutions. Think of discovery as a creative, exploratory effort, played out through intensive collaborative brainstorming sessions, field trips, technology previews and demonstrations.

Discovery is also where business goals and objectives are revealed. An important aspect of ensuring tangible value is the documentation and incorporation of business goals—here is where we establish the “before” and set targets for the “after”.

Human Condition handoff to next stage, Define:

Statement of project objectives, desired outcomes, outside-insight document, insight film(s) best-of-class technologies and metrics for success.

Define - We now have insight, let’s see what it means.

In this stage—a process of refinement and definition—practical challenges and constraints are considered for the first time. Some ideas and possibilities may not be ultimately possible, practical or desirable. In this step, imagination and reality combine to provide a workable sense of scope to the project.

Human Condition handoff to next stage:

Requirements, preliminary schedules and budgets

Conceive - This is where the real innovation begins.

This next step is where ideas give rise to actual concepts that meet the client’s goals within the defined constraints. This is the creative ideation segment of the program.

Human Condition handoff to next stage:

Conceptual proposal, conceptual renderings, models and drawings to explain program ideas

Select - An informed selection of best plan, based on real findings.

Among all the available options, which works best? This is the stage where the client and HC, working together, determine the precise direction to take. While it includes proposed form and function, it does not yet specify the specific technologies or provide detailed schematics.

Human Condition handoff to next stage:

Final Plan of Action document that details spec, timeframe, budget and production.

R,D&D - Research, Design and Development

In this stage — Research, Design and Development - a process of refinement and definition - practical challenges and constraints are put to paper, wood, clay, code, screen and metal for the first time. Some ideas and possibilities may not be ultimately possible, practical or desirable. In this step, imagination and reality combine to produce prototypes and hands on products. 

Human Condition handoff to next stage:

Prototype expression of the program.

Implement - Produce, distribute, train.

This stage is where we fully execute the defined Plan of Action and realize our client’s vision for the program.

Human Condition handoff to next stage:

Delivered program, with enabled metrics engine

Renew - Cultivation, reaping the benefits of a program.

Our work is not done when the program is delivered and our responsibility goes beyond basic maintenance. User feedback, data collection and real-world observation helps us make the experience better and more effective and valuable over time. 

Human Condition handoff to next stage:

Iterative implementations and refinement based on analytics, ROI, and metrics defined in Discovery.