Explore alternatives

How do you explore alternatives?

First, it is necessary to examine how the problem is currently being addressed. This is the reference alternative, against which you will compare the new intervention. It is important to know whether a new intervention adds value or leads to improvement compared with the current way of working.

For example, if you want to introduce speech-driven reporting, you compare this with the reference alternative of typed reporting. Then, look further at more and less obvious alternatives that can also bring about a change in the current process.

Different types of alternatives

If the problem doesnot clearly point to one type of solution, it is advisable to explore alternatives as broadly as possible and, for example, also include social interventions. If the problem clearly points to one type of solution, such as a specific technology, then in this step you should explore different alternatives within this product category. This can, for example, be done using a functionality table which includes functional specifications (such as technological aspects) and non-functional specifications and requirements (such as soft benefits).

Using an example of social robots for the care problem of “loneliness”, we explain how you can think broadly about alternatives. Consider:

• The same type of intervention, intended for the same problem. There are different types of social robots that can be compared in relation to loneliness. These are social robots that have been specifically developed to reduce loneliness.
• The same type of intervention, intended for a different problem. You can also look for social robots that were not directly developed for the same problem (loneliness), but which also have the potential to address it.
• A different type of intervention, intended for the same problem. There are different types of interventions to reduce loneliness. Consider, for example, video contact or a social neighbourhood app for contact within your local area.
• A different type of intervention, intended for a different problem. Interventions that primarily have a different aim than reducing loneliness can also be relevant. For example, sports clubs, churches, or the local supermarket with manned checkout counters.

Once this has been completed, you can evaluate which alternative appears to be the most appropriate for the care problem at hand.