What we did
The project
The World Resources Institute (WRI) launched the Product Studio to transform how environmental data drives development and application of innovative solutions to global challenges. This initiative combines WRI’s deep expertise in data and environmental science into a dynamic hub, supporting the creation of tools that significantly improve sustainability practices worldwide.
Recognizing the need to advance its approach to environmental data and technology, we helped the WRI team design the blueprint for the Product Studio to support the creation and rapid deployment of tools that address critical sustainability issues.
Championing data-driven and people-centered solutions
At the core of the Product Studio’s approach is a strategic playbook that guides the creation and expansion of new products. This playbook details methods for brainstorming, development, and market launch, ensuring that each innovation aligns with WRI’s mission and offers significant impact potential. It integrates principles from agile development, the lean startup approach, and human-centered design, all adapted to quicken product development while meeting user needs and sustainability objectives.
Innovation strategy and playbook
The Product Studio uses a structured process where projects progress through stages of conception, maturation, and market launch. This structured support encourages trial and improvement, allowing ideas to be honed in real-world applications. This ensures that innovations are practical and transformative, capable of significantly advancing sustainability.
Critical to this process is assessing the needs of each innovation according to its maturity. We developed a framework that would identify what areas of product development would provide the most value according to their maturity, which in turn would allow the Product Studio team to support in quick and targeted ways.
The Product Studio is designed to use several innovation methodologies, including collaborative design, and accelerator strategies.
Accelerating innovation
One of the first innovations supported by the Product Studio is TerraMatch, an initiative focused on reforestation. TerraMatch connects local reforestation projects with funders globally, using a structured vetting process to ensure effective, transparent, and impactful reforestation efforts. This project highlights the studio’s ability to translate complex environmental challenges into scalable, user-friendly solutions that have a real-world impact.
Advancing product innovation for good
The influence of the Product Studio extends beyond the immediate projects it develops. By providing a structured pathway for innovation, the studio has empowered WRI to significantly enhance its role in shaping global environmental practices.
By providing a structured pathway for innovation, the studio has empowered WRI to significantly enhance its role in shaping global environmental practices. The projects developed under the studio’s guidance, such as TerraMatch, have not only showcased WRI’s capabilities but have also set new standards for sustainability practices across the globe.
Continuous improvement and impact
The Product Studio plans to incorporate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the precision and effectiveness of its environmental tools. WRI is also building deeper partnerships with tech companies, academic institutions, and policymakers to extend the reach and applicability of its innovations.
The Product Studio is a testament to WRI’s commitment to leveraging innovation practices to tackle environmental challenges effectively. It serves as a beacon for how structured, strategic innovation management can lead to substantial advancements in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
