In this phase, which might take up to six months, we try to get a glimpse of a viable solution. It can be compared to the study of the relevant literature and field observation in scientific research, and ends with the first Eureka moment.
We carry out a thorough context analysis to tap explicit and tacit knowledge about the problem, and collect useful insights.
Through meticulous desk analysis, we dig into the intricacies of the context, identifying potential challenges, opportunities and areas for improvement, carrying out a comparative and benchmarking analysis, thus systematizing existing research.
We also conduct surveys and interviews to obtain qualitative feedback directly from individuals and organizations involved in the target countries. This give us the opportunity to build partnerships with, and to secure support from, potential partners.
We then organize one or more co-design workshops with a range of potential stakeholder partners, until a light clicks on.
The outcome of this phase is to outline the first sketch of a possible solution: strategic approach, main mechanism, and main partners.