Helping a team reach new heights with design thinking workshops is an invigorating journey, not a destination. Enter the maturity model, a tool not just for checking boxes but for charting a clear path to innovation excellence.

Picture yourself at the ‘Initial’ stage, where workshops happen, but seem more like a rare bird sighting. They’re ad-hoc, such that their results are scattered, maybe even misaligned with what users truly need. At this level, unpredictability reigns thanks to irregular scheduling and engagement that’s hit or miss—making it hard to know if you’re truly benefiting from these sessions. Aim to tighten things up: set a regular schedule, and create a basic workshop framework. It may be just a starting point, but it sets the stage for future growth.

For those who’ve moved to ‘Managed’—cheers! Here workshops happen regularly, but processes remain in flux. Improved alignment with user needs is sometimes an outcome, but not always. It’s clear what’s needed next: create a standard format and nail down consistent feedback mechanisms. This step is about proving stuff works and then making it work every darn time.

‘Defined’ means stepping into consistency like you’ve slid into a favorite pair of shoes. Every workshop is a well-oiled machine with documented processes and clear objectives. You’re playing by a playbook now, with workshop agendas and roles laid out and follow-up actions noted. The key here? Take the feedback seriously and lean on advanced facilitation tools to nudge the workshops from good to great.

Next up, it’s all about data at the ‘Quantitatively Managed’ stage. With KPIs in play, the impact of every session can be measured, shifting workshops from guesswork to informed precision. Metrics become your compass, guiding iterative improvements. Dig into the numbers not just for tweaking, but for understanding in depth. Personalization becomes a dream realized, as every data point brings you closer to grasping what users want—and delivering it.

Finally, ‘Optimizing’ is where workshops transcend into innovative havens of creativity. Here, the design thinking practices are cutting-edge, and the outcomes don’t just meet market needs, they set trends. Best practices are adopted like gospel, and leadership in methodologies isn’t just an aspiration, it’s a reality. Foster a culture where innovation isn’t a goal, it’s a reflex. Risk-taking in workshops isn’t deterred but welcomed, embracing failure as a step towards industry-leading solutions.

So, how to steer through these levels? Start with a self-assessment—get brutally honest about where things stand now. Map out goals that are clear-cut and can be measured in real terms. With a roadmap in hand, you’ll know what steps to take and the timeline to get them done. And don’t get too cozy with any strategy—review, revise, and revamp based on participant feedback and workshop results. Encourage a culture where learning never stops, and improvement isn’t just a phrase but an everyday practice.

The maturity model isn’t just an exercise for Product Owners aiming to tick a box. It’s about sculpting each workshop experience into something that not only refines the process but aligns product development with user needs. Workshops become seeds of great market success, with each small leap forward building onto the next. In essence, maturing through these levels primes teams to not just participate in innovation but to lead it.