A few months ago, we launched the giraffe digital Innovation Lab, a place for applied learning as a new approach to research and development within the digital industry.
The Innovation Lab allows us to adopt a ‘fail fast, learn fast’ mindset to growth, where we can collaboratively test and trial new concepts, ideas and technology to facilitate innovation, creativity, planning, project management and ideation in the development process. By creating a safe space to experiment and launch new initiatives our team can be more applied in our problem-solving, client services and product development, backed by the latest tools, systems and platforms.
Here is a snapshot of the latest developments born out of the Innovation Lab through trial, testing, quantitative and qualitative research, and measurement:
New project management system
Having reviewed our entire project processes from brief through to delivery, we discovered that there were several missing and/or necessary steps needed to improve the efficiency and quality of our service. It became quickly apparent that a new project management system would resolve most of these issues, particularly as they were largely related to data management and a need for automation.
Having done extensive work to identify the ‘leaks’ in our project management process, we were then able to research and test different software to address these issues. As a result, we are implementing a specific platform customised to our red giraffe design processes and client’s needs, integrating all areas of the agency from marketing and account management through to finance. This allows us to improve internal comms, productivity, transparency and communication with internal and external stakeholders, and most importantly our clients.
Through the new system, we will be able to automate workflows, streamline data, collaborate across teams, integrate third party systems and efficiently track project tasks, timelines and budgets.
B Corp accreditation
Another development that derived from the Innovation Lab. B Corp Certification measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. From supply chain and input materials to charitable giving and employee benefits, B Corp verifies that a business is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
We have kick-started the accreditation process and have progressed through to the next stage, where we are now in the process of becoming officially verified. It’s widely known that B Corp is one of the toughest accreditations to gain in the business world as there is extensive groundwork to do, requirements to meet and processes to have in place.
Luckily, through taking the time to complete extensive research, alongside lab meetings to debate the pros, cons and necessary work required for the process, we were able to identify that we meet most of the key standards through our existing sustainability and community work. There’s no denying B Corp is a rigorous process and not one to be taken lightly, but it’s an accreditation that’s hugely worth it for the right type of business. As innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Giraffe Digital SEO Marketing Agency, it’s right up our street, and we’re excited to update you all with more news on this soon as we progress.
Pioneer programme
Most recently, we were pleased to launch an official work experience programme at Red Giraffe. Unlike some of the more technical and financial investments derived from the Innovation Lab, this development was an easy one to decide on and implement. Having had hundreds of students through our doors since the agency started, work experience placements are not new to us as we’ve been providing these opportunities for years. We just never had an official name for it.
The Pioneer Programme is the same work experience initiative but improved! We’ve given it a makeover, breathed life into the programme with a new catchy strap line ‘Bright futures for all’, and provided a more structured offering for the students looking for first-hand agency experience.
We’ve also expanded the pool for students, still working with schools in MK, but also extending the offering to college and university students across all STEM subjects, to help kickstart their careers in the tech industry. Students will work on live projects to add to their portfolio, receiving a certificate and workbook at the end of their placement to support future employment opportunities.
With the new programme, we’re excited to play a pivotal role in nurturing the future digital marketing talent in Milton Keynes and can’t wait to welcome more students to the agency over coming months.
The above updates are just a glimpse into the exciting future we’re building at the Red Giraffe Innovation Lab. We remain committed to continuously improving through testing out new ideas, technologies, processes, services and initiatives. Through the lab, we aim to deliver the very best solutions to drive meaningful results for all of our stakeholders and push boundaries in the digital industry.
Want to learn more about how our innovations can benefit your business? Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and explore potential collaborations.
