Effective Analytical Approaches as Precursors for Proof-of-Concept Generation

In addressing the preliminary step in developing new empathic services, researchers in the project Empathy Business, funded by Business Finland, aimed to ideate viable experiments or proofs of concepts (PoCs). These PoCs would serve as testing grounds for new and more empathic services and tools and establish feasible and viable service concepts to provide users with more empathic outcomes (e.g., service experiences). Ideas for viable PoCs were generated using validated data analysis processes to create practical and workable approaches for real-world business needs in Finland. The process enabled researchers to establish effective experiments for prototyping, feasibility testing, evaluation, and decision-making purposes—determining the most effective PoCs comprised of data collection through workshops, interviews, and notetaking. The forthcoming data were analysed using affinity analysis to uncover hidden process patterns for supporting data-driven decisions that enhance customer experiences and drive profits. Data from the workshop observations were captured in the Miro environment and summarised using digital sticky notes, which enabled more effective analyses due to their visibility and efficiency. The interviews were transcribed through an artificial intelligence transcription tool and similarly clustered in the Miro environment. Both datasets were merged seamlessly in this digital environment, enabling clear patterns to emerge, such as business compatibility, sustainability, new tools and methods, centralising people, online workshops, and in situ workshops. These effective analytical methods and tools allowed the researchers to generate viable concepts for the PoCs including an Emotion reflection tool.