Method 21

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a product manager with an energy company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Method 21?

We were attempting to apply human-centered design principles for enterprise software development and procurement.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We were building a business case to determine whether we should build or buy our enterprise software. Related to each option is a learning management software to use as a platform for the entire system. We contracted with Method to bring human-centered design to that effort.

Normal business cases are focused on viability without caring much about what the end-customer needs. Our goal was to bring those elements to bear in consideration of our different options.

The primary deliverable was our enterprise software, but there were additional deliverables associated with the human-centered design we wanted. These were harder to specific, but we did have a specific timeline on the project, so they put those materials together for us.

What is the team composition?

We primarily work with one individual, as well as one or two consultants.

How did you come to work with Method 21?

We’d worked with them previously when they were under another name. They were also recently acquired by a parent company, which is when they rebranded as Method.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since January 2022. There are no plans to end our relationship in the near future.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

They’ve done fantastic work, both on the deliverables and as strategic partners. Unlike many consultants that we work with, they’re very focused on building competencies and capabilities within our organization. They frequently try to remove themselves so we don’t become dependent on them. They truly put our needs first.

How did Method 21 perform from a project management standpoint?

We don’t rely on them for project management tools, per se, as we manage the work from a combined board. Professional tools aren’t really necessary for this project.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are talented individuals who understand the space and are extremely flexible in their ability to rise to whatever challenges are in front of them. In particular, they’re able to handle complex political situations as they negotiate between different parties.

They’ve done a fantastic job of bringing in people who can step into the 0open spaces and drive us toward good solutions. At the end of the day, what distinguishes them as a company is their ability to wean us off of them and build our internal capabilities.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’ve done a very good job of stepping into our situation and keeping us on time and on track. They also make sure we’re appraised of any issues that they see. There isn’t really room for improvement.