Now-to-New is a term I came up with back in the 1990s to signify a shift from the present situation (Now) to what is needed instead (New).
Read the story of how Now-to-New came into existence
There are seven Now-to-New modes, which are neither mutually exclusive nor collectively exhaustive.
The seven modes explained
Innovating
Bringing into being something new that generates downstream value, such as a product, service, facility, establishment, event or artistic work.
Now: There is a need, desire or opportunity to create something that will generate extensive or exceptional value.
New: The new creation exists and is generating the intended value.
Changing
Shifting from the current state of affairs to the desired state.
Now: A different state of affairs is desired.
New: The desired state of affairs prevails.
Problem solving
Restoring value generation capability.
Now: Value generation capability is impaired; anti-value is being generated.
New: Value generation capability has been restored; anti-value generation has been halted.
Surmounting
Overcoming a looming, overwhelming or seemingly impossible challenge.
Now: There is a need, desire or opportunity to surmount a tough challenge.
New: The challenge has been surmounted.
Responding
Responding to a request or demand.
Now: A request has been received.
New: The request has been fulfilled.
Developing
Increasing value generation capability or value generation potential.
Now: Value generation capability is not at the required level.
New: Value generation capability is at the required level.
Realising potential
Utilising value generation capability or realising value generation potential.
Now: Value generation potential is not being fully realised.
New: Value generation potential is being fully realised.
Now-to-New project examples
Client names will be provided on request.
Innovating
A global food manufacturer wants to create — overnight — a concept for a new product, inspired and evaluated by potential customers. How can this be achieved?
The education branch of a spiritual community and ecovillage offers a range of residential courses, workshops and events, but many of the beds are empty during the months straddling the peak season. How might they be filled?
Changing
A state-owned rail operator in continental Europe intends to shift ticket purchasing from service counters to self-service machines, but the plan is meeting strong opposition from service counter staff. How can this situation be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction?
The management teams of two hospitals, twenty miles apart, want to integrate 35 services including emergency care. The conversation is being dominated by a well-organised “Save Our A&E” campaign that has gained the strong support of a local newspaper. How can the integration be accomplished successfully, and with minimum disruption and distress?
Problem solving
The sales and marketing functions of a global corporate are at loggerheads and this is having a negative impact on the business. How might the situation be addressed, such that value generation capability is not only restored, but also expanded?
An oil and gas company in Oman has discovered an oil reservoir in an unusual type of rock. How can the oil be produced at a commercial price?
Surmounting
There is a serious threat of new dog-to-human diseases entering the UK. How can the threat be addressed?
The contract to provide community arts services in the Welsh valleys has been awarded to an alliance of local authorities. How can the alliance ensure that its ambitious first year goals will be achieved?
Responding
The CEO of a Dublin-based brewer has received a directive from the parent company’s chairman, instructing the brewer’s management team to establish a direct connection with its customers, beyond focus groups. How can this connection be made?
The bosses of an R&D facility within a multinational have spent many months developing an innovation strategy. Facility staff must now find ways to put the strategy into action. How might this be facilitated?
Developing
Members of a specialist unit within a UK government agency have an urgent need to plan, organise and facilitate a series of Open Space meetings, but they lack the necessary skills and very little time is available for training. How can these skills be acquired in a single half-day workshop?
Realising potential
A global oil and gas company needs to find a good use for the water — saline and contaminated with heavy metals — that accompanies oil as it emerges from the subsurface. How might this be accomplished?
Continue reading
Examine a typical Now-to-New project from start to finish
Making the transition from design thinker to newcreator
Now-to-New: origin and evolution
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