Service Design Tools

Wind Tunneling

Wind Tunneling stress-tests strategic options against various future scenarios. Like testing an aircraft in a wind tunnel, this exercise identifies vulnerabilities and strengthens strategic resilience. It's about seeing how your plans hold up under pressure.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
4-8
Category
Service Design Tools
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:

  • Test strategic options against multiple future scenarios.

  • Identify strategy vulnerabilities and failure points.

  • Develop more robust and adaptive strategies.

  • Understand which strategies work across different futures.

  • Create contingency plans for various scenarios.

  • Build confidence in strategic choices.

Participants will leave with:

  • Completed wind tunneling analysis.

  • Tested strategies against scenarios.

  • More robust strategies.

This exercise works best with:

  • Completed scenario planning.

  • Well-defined strategic options.

  • Clear success criteria.


Be tough on the strategies.

  • Push them to their breaking points.

  • Consider implementation challenges.

  • Don't let preferences bias assessment.


Look for strategies to perform differently across scenarios. The goal is actionable insights, not perfection. I've seen groups struggle with overly optimistic scoring, so encourage critical evaluation.

For virtual sessions:

  • Use breakout rooms.

  • Create shared scoring matrices.

  • Use polling for assessments.

  • Document insights in real-time.


  1. Strategy Definition (20 min)


  • Clearly define 2-4 strategic options.

  • Define key assumptions.

  • Identify critical success factors.

  • Document expected outcomes and metrics.


  1. Scenario Review (15 min)


  • Briefly review 3-4 scenarios (from prior planning).

  • Ensure understanding of each scenario.

  • Highlight key differences.


  1. Strategy Testing (60 min)


  • For each strategy-scenario combination:

  • How would this strategy perform?

  • What assumptions are challenged?

  • What are the likely outcomes?

  • What could go wrong (or better)?

  • Score performance (1-5 scale).

  • Document risks and opportunities.


  1. Pattern Analysis (15 min)


  • Identify robust strategies (perform well across scenarios).

  • Find strategies that excel in specific scenarios.

  • Highlight vulnerabilities.

  • Look for strategies that fail.


  1. Strategy Optimization (10 min)


  • Modify strategies to address vulnerabilities.

  • Add adaptive features or contingency triggers.

  • Consider hybrid approaches.

  • Plan monitoring for scenario indicators.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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  • Strategy descriptions.

  • Scenario summaries.

  • Strategy testing matrix template.

  • Performance criteria.

  • Scoring guides.

  • Risk and opportunity capture sheets.

  • Digital collaboration tools or flip charts.

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

Unlock Resources & Templates

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