How to Build Functionalist Solutions


The Unicist Initial Solution Building Module is a part of the Unicist methodology developed by The Unicist Research Institute. It is a tool that is used to generate initial solutions to complex problems by understanding the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of a system, it is possible to develop solutions that are more effective, efficient, and sustainable over time.

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Unicist Initial Solution Building Module

The process involves several steps:

  1. Problem diagnosis: The first step in the process is to diagnose the problem by identifying the key factors and variables that are contributing to the problem. This involves analyzing the behavior of the system and identifying any patterns or trends that are relevant to the problem.
  1. Conceptual design: The next step is to develop a conceptual design for the solution. This involves identifying the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of the system, and using this knowledge to develop a solution that is aligned with these principles.
  1. Scenario building: The next step is to build scenarios that test the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution. This involves simulating the behavior of the system under different conditions and evaluating the results to determine which scenario is most effective.
  1. Pilot testing: The final step is to pilot test the proposed solution in a real-world environment. This involves implementing the solution on a small scale and evaluating its effectiveness in practice.

Solution Building Design

The Unicist Initial Solution Building Module is a tool that can be applied to a wide range of complex problems, particularly in the context of business and organizational management. Here are some steps to apply this module:

  1. Identify the problem: The first step is to identify the problem that needs to be solved. This may involve conducting a thorough analysis of the current situation, gathering data and feedback from stakeholders, and identifying key factors and variables that are contributing to the problem.
  1. Define the scope: Once the problem has been identified, it is important to define the scope of the problem and identify any constraints or limitations that may impact the development of a solution.
  1. Conduct research: The next step is to conduct research to better understand the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of the system in question. This may involve reviewing existing research and literature, conducting interviews with experts, and gathering data and feedback from stakeholders.
  1. Develop a conceptual design: Based on the research conducted in step 3, it is possible to develop a conceptual design for the solution. This involves identifying the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of the system, and using this knowledge to develop a solution that is aligned with these principles.
  1. Build scenarios: Once a conceptual design has been developed, it is important to build scenarios that test the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution. This involves simulating the behavior of the system under different conditions and evaluating the results to determine which scenario is most effective.
  1. Pilot testing: The final step is to pilot test the proposed solution in a real-world environment. This involves implementing the solution on a small scale and evaluating its effectiveness in practice. Based on the results of the pilot testing, it may be necessary to refine and modify the solution before implementing it on a larger scale.

Defining the Purpose, the Active Function and the Energy Conservation Function of a solution

Defining the Unicist Purpose, Active Function, and Energy Conservation Function of a solution is a critical part of the Unicist approach to problem solving. Here are some steps to help you define these elements:

  • Unicist Purpose: The Unicist Purpose defines the essence of the solution and its value proposition. To define the Unicist Purpose, ask yourself: What is the fundamental value that this solution provides to the system or organization? What is the essential need that this solution fulfills? What is the core benefit that this solution provides?
  • Active Function: The Active Function defines the action that the solution performs to fulfill its Unicist Purpose. To define the Active Function, ask yourself: What is the specific action or function that this solution performs to fulfill its Unicist Purpose? What is the key process or activity that this solution enables or improves?
  • Energy Conservation Function: The Energy Conservation Function defines how the solution conserves energy in the system or organization. To define the Energy Conservation Function, ask yourself: How does this solution optimize or improve the use of resources in the system or organization? How does this solution reduce waste, duplication, or inefficiency?

To further clarify these concepts, it can be helpful to think of them in terms of the “What”, “How”, and “Why” of the solution. The Unicist Purpose is the “Why”, the Active Function is the “How”, and the Energy Conservation Function is the “What” (i.e. what is conserved or optimized).

By defining the Unicist Purpose, Active Function, and Energy Conservation Function of a solution, you can ensure that the solution is aligned with the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of the system, and that it is designed to be effective, efficient, and sustainable over time.

Destructive Test of the Solution

The Unicist Destructive Test is a tool used to validate the effectiveness and sustainability of a solution. Here are some steps to develop a Unicist Destructive Test:

  1. Identify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): The first step is to identify the KPIs that are most critical to the success of the solution. These KPIs should be measurable and should reflect the core benefits or outcomes that the solution is intended to provide.
  1. Define the limits: Once the KPIs have been identified, it is important to define the limits or thresholds that represent success or failure. These limits should be based on the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of the system, and should be aligned with the Unicist Logic of the solution.
  1. Conduct the test: The test should be designed to intentionally push the system beyond its limits in order to validate the effectiveness and sustainability of the solution. This may involve simulating extreme scenarios or conditions, or intentionally introducing disruptions or changes to the system.
  1. Evaluate the results: Once the test has been conducted, it is important to evaluate the results to determine whether the solution was effective and sustainable under the conditions of the test. This evaluation should consider not only the immediate results of the test, but also the longer-term implications for the system or organization.
  1. Refine the solution: Based on the results of the test, it may be necessary to refine the solution in order to improve its effectiveness or sustainability. This may involve modifying the design of the solution, adjusting the implementation approach, or revising the KPIs and limits.

Application Fields

The Unicist Initial Building Module is a tool that can be applied in a wide range of application fields, including:

  • Business Strategy: The module can be used to develop business strategies that are aligned with the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of the market and the organization.
  • Product Design: The module can be used to design products that are optimized for their intended use and that provide a superior value proposition to customers.
  • Process Improvement: The module can be used to identify and optimize the key processes that drive performance and efficiency in an organization.
  • Organizational Design: The module can be used to design organizations that are aligned with the underlying principles and rules that govern the behavior of the system and that enable effective collaboration and performance.
  • Innovation: The module can be used to identify new opportunities for innovation and to develop solutions that are truly disruptive and transformative.
  • Knowledge Management: The module can be used to capture and codify the knowledge and expertise that is critical to the success of an organization, and to develop strategies for leveraging that knowledge to drive innovation and performance.

Diego Belohlavek

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