Most of the conversations around digital transformation, and even about change, are focused on us. Focused internally, on how to make our organisation (for profit or not) better. We look at our systems, our processes, our people, seeking to find more ways to make us more ‘efficient’. And efficient is a code word for cheaper.

Rarely do organisations focus on how to digitally transform the people we seek to serve. Our target market. Whatever that is.

Interestingly consumer goods companies are the examples I tend to find. Apple is the easy example that springs to mind. Their stores have genius bars to help you solve problems, they run courses about how to create things (using their products), and most of it is free. Yes, this is part of their business model and is costed in to products. And yes, the quality of the offerings and service has slipped in recent years, but they did and are doing it.

In the non-profit sector, Terre des hommes uses the FabLab approach to work with vulnerable youth. It is not about selling products, but it is about building the digital literacy and confidence of youth (and a whole host of other things). Unfortunately projects like these are too rare.

Digital transformation can be more than about us. It can and should be integral to the work we do and how we do it.

The choice is up to us.

What could this look like for you?

Photo by ZMorph All-in-One 3D Printers