Client: Robert Bosch GmbH
Consultant on the assignment: Mikkel Pilgaard

Initial assignment

To stay relevant and ahead of the innovation game Bosch needs new ideas from outside: As a thought leader and expert in his field, Mikkel was invited by the central innovation department BMC/UX to design and deliver a Design for Sustainability (D4S) training for a cross-departmental pilot cohort consisting of designers, engineers, internal innovation consultants and sustainability specialists. 

This cohort comprised key change-makers who could become sustainability champions, advocating for, teaching, facilitating and supporting the implementation of the methods and approaches of D4S within their departments. 

The training should of course be highly engaging and offer operational and transferable tools derived from evidence-based methods and sound theory. The content should be adapted to a corporate for-profit context and be feasible and viable. The training should also promote a general mindset shift and boost competency around realising the possibilities of the sustainability challenge. 

Solution

A five-module online training was designed, mixing sustainability science, systemic thinking, action-learning, philosophical practice, circularity, new economics and design thinking. A recruiting plan and one-pager were co-created. The cohort was recruited and selected for key stakeholder engagement, maximum organisational reach, ownership and diversity in the learning space. The training was delivered over a 4-month period through a combination of live online group calls, group work in break-out rooms as well as practising tools in group work on workstations in Miro. Supported by a curriculum of learning material for self-directed study and individual assignments in between live sessions. The training was concluded with the handover of a diploma and a neat toolbox brochure with guidelines for practice and implementation.

Continuations

The successful completion of the pilot led to an invitation to repeat the training with minor improvements for a second cohort, who also went on to complete the training. This led to the invitation to spar and advice on the implementation of D4S in several other departments on concrete projects. Ultimately an invitation was extended to keynote speak and facilitate a related workshop at the annual internal UX Conference in Stuttgart with the intention of spreading the message and insights of the training to the rest of the organisation. The title of the Keynote was “Sustainable Development as Strategic Futures Design” - both the speech and the workshop were delivered successfully and were received with very positive feedback and engagement across the group of participants from around the organisation. 

Result

40 key change agents in Bosch were successfully trained and equipped to integrate sustainability science and design for sustainability approaches in the innovation processes at Bosch to improve and future-proof products and business models. This led to scoping of new more sustainability-focused innovation projects in their departments as well as the formation of an internal cross-boundary group of sustainability champions who continued to exchange and learn from each other and support each other in spreading sustainability in Bosch through innovation processes and design. In addition, many more Bosch employees from various levels, positions, departments and countries were inspired and informed with regards to how to strategically work with design for sustainability and earth system science across the organisation. Many considerations and learnings from the collaboration found their way into the Bosch Innovation Framework and the core models of the central internal innovation department BMC/UX. 

Testimonial

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express our utmost satisfaction with the exemplary service provided by Mikkel Pilgaard Madsen, a Systemic Designer, Sustainability Consultant, and Expert in Design for Sustainability, to our BMC/UX Department at Robert Bosch GmbH.

Mikkel embarked on a project with us aimed at integrating sustainability methods and framework into our user experience, innovation and R&D processes at Bosch. His expertise in design for sustainability proved invaluable as he conducted two highly successful trainings for two cohorts within our organisation. These trainings brought together individuals from various departments, fostering cross-departmental collaboration and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of sustainability in innovation.

One of the highlights of our collaboration with Mikkel was his keynote speech on "Sustainable Development as Strategic Futures Design" at our annual Bosch
“UX Convention” in Stuttgart in 2022. His presentation captivated our audience and left a lasting impression on many attendees. Mikkel's ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear and compelling manner, coupled with his passion for sustainability, truly resonated with our team. We were very impressed by the depth of insight and the thought-provoking ideas he shared during his keynote address.

Throughout the project, Mikkel demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to helping us achieve our sustainability goals. His collaborative approach and willingness to tailor his services to our specific needs ensured the success of the project and left a lasting impact on our organisation.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mikkel Pilgaard for his outstanding contributions to our BMC/UX Department and beyond at Robert Bosch GmbH. We highly recommend his services to any organisation seeking to integrate sustainability principles into their innovation processes and look forward to the opportunity to work with him again in the future.

Sincerely,

Toni Bräuer
Senior UX-Consultant
Robert Bosch GmbH, BMC/UX