Nomura Research Institute (NRI)
10-Week Design Thinking + DX Training Programs in San Francisco
Through the training program in San Francisco, NRI employees gained practical experience in design thinking and digital transformation, which helped cultivate a corporate culture where innovation can thrive. The program also strengthened their global perspective and ability to create new services. Several of these services received high recognition in the market, contributing to greater corporate competitiveness. As a result, NRI has established its position as an innovative solution provider and is driving company-wide transformation.
INDUSTRY
Consulting and IT Solutions
TARGET MARKET
Global
DELIVERABLES
Facilitating workshops (User Research / Field Research / Service Design Idea Pitch / Prototyping / User Testing / Demo Pitch)
Challenges
Identifying Latent Needs: Uncovering customers’ hidden needs and addressing them effectively
Innovation Culture: Building and sustaining a culture of innovation within a large, traditional company
Skill Development: Equipping employees with the skills required for service design and digital transformation, and ensuring those skills are continuously developed
Global Perspective: Overcoming cultural and communication barriers to gain a global perspective and effectively pitch innovative ideas
Executing New Ideas: Navigating existing organizational structures to implement and scale new ideas
Our Approach
Design Thinking Training: We offer a 10-week immersive “Design Thinking + Digital Transformation” program in San Francisco, enabling employees to experience and internalize innovative methodologies
Field Research and User Interviews: Participants observe local cultures and conduct user interviews to understand diverse perspectives and uncover insights
Prototyping and Pitching: Using tools such as Figma, participants build prototypes and prepare pitches for investors and entrepreneurs.
Continuous Support: We provide ongoing assistance to program alumni as they implement and scale innovative ideas within their organizations.
Mindset Development: We foster curiosity and a problem-solving mindset, encouraging employees to keep learning and driving innovation over the long term.
FIELD WORK
San Francisco has long been the birthplace of world-changing technologies. But what makes this city so special? Who are the people behind these innovations?
Over the course of this fieldwork, our clients get an insider's look at daily life in San Francisco guided by facilitators. Clients meet the people who call this city home and witness firsthand the conversations people are having. They discover the cultural attitudes and values that fuel the city's incredible track record of innovation.
IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS & TESTS
In addition to fieldwork, actual interviews with local users are conducted. With the support of facilitators, trainees will prepare interview questions in English. Using online platforms, users are recruited, and through one-hour online and offline interviews, participants gain a deeper understanding of the values of people living in San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Based on information gathered from user interviews, participants, with the help of facilitators, define the target user and the problem to be solved. Using methods such as empathy mapping, they uncover the hidden "real needs" behind users' words and actions. Facilitators help unblock discussions by asking questions and helping to untangle points of contention, supporting participants' autonomy throughout the process.
IDEATION
Participants start with ideas by asking questions such as "How might we...?" and other questions to start ideation and brainstorming ideas to solve user problems. Ideas are generated through play and open-mindedness, rather than focusing on rationalization and efficiency. Facilitators provide examples and activities to spark ideas and encourage participants to look outside for inspiration.
PROTYPING
With the help of btrax designers, participants create prototypes to quickly test their service ideas with users. Depending on the validation phase, they use storyboards to explain the concept and convey the experience, or they show mock-ups to users and verify that the service meets the user’s real needs.
PRESENTATION
To receive feedback on the completed service ideas, presentations are conducted in a pitch format. Participants present the challenges and innovations of their services in a short 3-5 minute presentation. To resonate with the audience, they incorporate storytelling and are challenged to present in English.
Testimonial
“I was able to develop a mindset for actively driving product development from a global perspective, instead of just taking a passive and system-oriented approach. I strongly recommend that everyone come and experience this program for themselves."
Training Participant, NRI
Testimonial
“This is a long-term immersive training program that provides our staff a valuable opportunity to step away from daily routines and focus deeply on a particular theme. Field research and user interviews in San Francisco, where diverse cultures intersect with the latest services, greatly broadened participants’ perspectives. After the program, many members of my team started experimenting with new ideas and approaches in their departments, and alumni are now thriving in various roles across the company.”
Program Coordinator, NRI
