How can I be sure it’s the right idea?
Expected completion 8 minutes.
A. Validation
Now that you’re full of ideas to improve the work you do, how do you choose the right one to build on Josef? Having seen thousands of bots, we’ve developed a simple framework to determine whether an idea for automation is likely to work. Your idea should be…
- Simple
- High Frequency
- Repetitive
- Valuable
- User-centric
Simple
Simple is a relative term. What seems simple now can be complex when you dig deeper. Or what seems complex now will be simple with more experience. Slow down now, so that you can speed up later.
High Frequency
Make sure that the task you’re automating happens frequently enough to make it suitable for automation. To get the most value out of your bot, select high volume tasks.
Repetitive
Does the task/process use the same variables and information repeatedly? Is it limited in scope?
Valuable
Is the process a core part of what you do (even if it isn’t sophisticated or complex)? Intake is a great example! It’s frequent and repetitive, but also crucial.
User-centric
Make sure you’re creating something which keeps the end user in mind. Will your solution satisfy end user wants and needs?
B. Prototyping
By now you know which problem you want to solve. If you’re ready to get started on Josef, go for it! But if you still have questions, prototyping is a great way to begin finding answers.
Sketching out solutions, getting feedback on them early, and then iterating, is an efficient and effective way of starting to build great digital products. In other words, create something quick and dirty to test your idea!
To begin prototyping, divide a piece of paper into thirds and answer the following three questions:
- Outcome: what will end users receive at the end (a document, an e-mail, guidance)?
- High level inputs: what is the key information I need to produce that outcome?
- Delivery: how and where will the outcome be conveniently accessed?
After answering these questions, find a potential end user and show them your responses. Ask them two questions. What do you like about it? What could be better?
Iterate based on their feedback. If necessary, iterate again!
Now, move on to Certification Homework to learn what you need to do before Module 2.