The S2TEP process
The S2TEP process (Security and Safety Transformation and Experimentation Process) is derived from an empirical structured approach to innovation, called the Effect Based Solutions process.
Figure 1: Overview of the EBS based S2TEP process
Exploration / End Statement
The entry point of the S2TEP process is a clear and concise formulation of a problem description that is, “as is”, shared by a number of stakeholders. The End Statement captures the specific interest of every stakeholder in a solution and the constraints that the stakeholder would like the solution to comply with. It also captures the present relationships of the stakeholders and the knowledge that they bring to the table.
Landscaping / “As is” Models
By means of mini-scenarios, developed with the participants, the shared awareness of the overall problem and its potentially many aspects is built and the particular manifestations in the processes of the stakeholders are captured. These scenarios form part of the specification for the game simulation. They are used to generate solutions and to generate the events that will make the problems visible during gaming. Another output of these activities is the charting of the ‘business processes’ in which the various aspects of the problem are most dominant and manifest, according to the stakeholders.
Scenario Development / “What if” Models
These activities focus on capturing the most significant elements for the game simulation and the type and mode of interactions that the players/stakeholders and external experts should have during the game. Also, the data, from the real world, that will determine how the simulations during the game will develop are defined and their sources identified. Stakeholders and external experts determine a (preliminary) set of ‘solution scenarios’ and which parameterization of the simulation models of the existing processes is the most useful for controlling the game. This set of mini-scenarios and parameters refers to already known or expected possible solutions (organizational, technological, in terms of collaboration, information sharing and other, including if applicable scientific research activities that need to provide answers to yet unsolved questions).
Game simulation (Gaming) / Concept Solution
The game simulation, or game for short, is specifically build for the problem at hand. It visualizes and captures in a virtual environment a functional abstraction of the world of the stakeholders. There are various forms of games that can be used. The choice is determined primarily by the characteristics of the problem and the problem context. The design is a function of how the stakeholders should play the game. Simulation and AI techniques are not only used to calculate how the world will evolve, but also to add structured knowledge to the knowledge of the stakeholders/players while gaming.
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Figure 2: Global architecture for the game. |
As should be clear from the above, virtual reality techniques are used to visualize all sorts of knowledge about the problem and possible solutions. The game helps the stakeholders to choose and configure an acceptable solution for the overall problem and gives clues on how to implement that solution.
The final result is the selection and validation of a concept solution that fits with the (negotiated) interest and the constraints of the individual stakeholders and is supported by the stakeholder-group as their prioritized solution for the problem. In the Figure 2 it is indicated as the PvA (which is the acronym in Dutch for Plan van Aanpak)
The S2TEP process leads to a faster and more balanced and more in-depth development of ideas and their validation, a better communication between stakeholders and more societal and economical acceptable innovations (i.e. solutions). By explicitly taking into account the interests and constraints of the individual stakeholders as negotiable items and focusing on the aspects of the problem that disrupt the business continuity in a recognizable way, it provides both anchoring and grounding. The process also explicitly addresses the bonding of the stakeholders and allows them to use their own tacit knowledge in a structured and constructive way. Assisted by experts from fields where stakeholder knowledge is inherently weak, it reduces uncertainty in the solution.
