3…2…1….s-Lab launched

I’m very excited to have been at the launch of the Strategic Innovation Lab tonight in Toronto. A new think tank, research institute and consultancy affiliated with the Ontario College of Art and Design, sLab is a place that will use principles of design to help tackle some seriously wicked problems.

From the sLab website:

Our approach is rooted in a heritage of design thinking, which places human needs and desires, behaviour and culture at the centre of problem framing and problem solving. To this perspective sLab brings an understanding of complex systems and futures studies, through techniques such as horizon scanning, signal analysis, scenario planning, and technology adoption modeling.

One of the really neat things about the sLab perspective is its commitment to “Open”. The notion of “Open” in business and education is something that is really coming to the fore as a more sustainable way of being. In nature, cells are perfect examples of “open” because they are adept at letting in positive energy, resisting destructive energy and being incredibly good at adapting. Institutions, on the other hand, have had a very closed approach to operating and we can see that a disturbing number of seemingly rock solid institutions are on the verge of collapse and/or irrelevancy.

The sLab has pulled together some excellent academics and practitioners to be part of its rebirth (it was formerly the Beal Institute) and I look forward to playing a part in its curriculum and evolution. Dave Gray from Xplane is part of the team as is Michael Dila from Torch Partnership, Bob Logan and Greg Van Alstyne.

One of the principles of Open Space Technology is that participants must either learn or contribute, otherwise they must find a new place to be. I look forward to doing a whole lot of both at the sLab.