The goals of the D³ Matrix are further organized by column. The first column groups together goals that relate to development process and HP’s R&D capability. The goals of the second column pertain to HP’s portfolio of products and how users experience them. The final column includes additional goals that are highly important to each of the Design to Simplify, Differentiate or Innovate horizontal tiers.

Teams use the D³ Matrix to select top goals at the outset of a project and to also stay in alignment as the project get moving.  The D³ Matrix allows teams to retain the flexibility to manage their work streams as they see fit, adapt to changing circumstances, and alter the tactics they’re choosing to meet these goals. While the D³ Matrix provides a common foundation for the strategic use of design at HP, it also allows for the twists and turns of the design process, and integrates easily with existing project practices.

You may have to do it wrong so you can get it right.

In the process of developing a design measurement system at HP, we’re also finding great value by approaching the problem with a “launch and learn” mindset. Trying to figure out what should work in theory is of limited value as you’re not going to get it right in the abstract. As the system gains more adoption at HP, it’s a constant back and forth between what should work theoretically and what works in practice. Just as with the design process itself, developing a design metrics system has to be iterative. As product development teams use the system, we are learning what works and what needs to be improved for future versions. Remember, you’ll probably be developing something that hasn’t been done before in your organization, so be prepared to experiment until you find what works within your company culture.

Developing a design or innovation measurement system is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Every company has different systems in place and its own corporate culture. Having said that, in the work that HP and Jump have done together, some best practices have emerged for integrating metrics into the design or innovation process.

Five Tips to keep in mind while managing and measuring design projects.

Actively using measurement as a communication and decision-making tool can help focus your team’s efforts to meet your most important goals. The trick is to balance the desire to nurture a creative process with that of operating efficiently and consistently.

Tip #1: Stay focused on your goals.

Keeping your eye on the prize gets you beyond “meeting the numbers.”

Tip #2: Base your metrics on your goals.

What you measure affects your outcome.

Tip #3: Communicate using a common language.

Speaking in terms that others can understand helps break down barriers.

Tip #4: Use real-time input to monitor your progress.

A dashboard of indicators will help you make better decisions as you go.

Tip #5: Narrate and illustrate your story.

Showing how you got there and where to go next helps build internal capacity.

Related posts:

1. Five Key Strategies for Making Metrics
2. Design Council’s Lessons from America
3. Five Key Strategies for Managing Change
4. Design Strategies for Technology Adoption
5. Sustaining vs. Disruptive Innovations