Rapid prototyping proves the business case for NETS app
Infinite are currently developing a LEAN Project Toolkit iPad app in partnership with the North East Transformation System (NETS). NETS is a coalition comprising of foundation trusts, health commissioners and improvement networks in the North East of England. Its members use a common methodology (LEAN) in order to improve the quality and safety of health care.
The objective of LEAN is to maximise customer value whilst minimising waste. A LEAN organisation places customer value at its heart and continuously analyses and optimises its processes in order to increase it. LEAN thinking changes the focus of management from concentrating on separate processes and departments to improving the flow of services throughout entire value streams. LEAN methodology involves recording events both before and after change and requires a number of pre-defined resources including forms and spreadsheets.
The initial phase (version 1) of the project involved developing online rapid prototyping of the app. Through a series of meetings and workshops with NETS we were able to quickly define the scope of the project and develop a suite of streamlined LEAN tools for use within the app. Sketches, schematics, wireframes and visuals were created and then refined to provide an intuitive user experience and interface. Working closely with NETS, this iterative process of rapid prototyping, has meant that all questions are answered prior to the technical build stage of the app in iOS7.
This method has ensured that the project is delivered within budget and provides a compelling business case for further investment.
The prototype app was previewed in September at the NETS ‘Share and Spread Conference’. You can read more about this here.