The LH Method – An Original Framework for Deeply Unearthing Challenges
The beginning is one design proposal
This happened about 20 years ago. When Lionheart was still in its early days, founder Ichikawa was also working as a designer. It's standard for many designers to prepare multiple designs, like Option A and Option B, and decide based on the client's preferences. However, Ichikawa, for some reasonPropose only one plan, and have it adopted as is.it was mostly
Why does it always get decided with just one proposal? I wanted to know the answer, so I made it the theme of my graduation thesis at the business school I attended. The analysis revealed that rather than design capability itselfHearing qualityWhat was definitively different. If you accurately Conversely, if that is unclear, the proposal will end up being merely a "preference match"—this realization would laterLH methodand will evolve as a common internal framework.
At its core is a “strong interest.”
The starting point of the LH method is a strong interest in the other person. It all begins with the desire to know someone deeply, just like a curious child who repeatedly asks "WHY?", "WHAT?", "WHO?", and "HOW?". For customers, this is also welcome. Because they naturally become cooperative with those who try to understand their vision for achieving it.
During the hearing, be sure to [the customer's answer].IncorporateLet's go. If you say "red," I'll delve into what kind of red it is. Sometimes present extreme examples and have them choose, then ask "Why did you choose that?" and their reasons. By refining these ambiguous images, we can uncover not only the apparent challenges but also latent issues and overlooked value.
Changes that occur in a project
we will conduct a hearing at the beginning of the project, whereClarify the vision (ideal state) and the current location, and share the gap (challenges) between them with the client.I will. This is not just a requirements
When a client's request changes midway, we ask this: Does that change align with the original purpose? Sometimes there are situations where we try to cut important elements due to budget reductions, but if we determine they are essential for achieving the objective, we will not hesitate to reject the proposal. As a result, it's not uncommon for people to say, "I'm glad I didn't change it after all."
A decisive difference from other companies
Dive deep and listen carefully to uncover hidden values and challenges that the other party may not even be aware of. Not many companies can get this involved. Regarding a project to create an employment website, through hearingsImprovement of the employee evaluation systemThere have even been cases that led to The strength of the LH Method is its ability to identify challenges crucial for the client's future, even if they extend beyond the original scope of the project.
The upcoming LH method
Now we, this framework itselfIndependent serviceWe are considering whether it can be provided as. Job interviews, organizational diagnostics, overseas projects—the applications are endless. I believe the LH method can become a “universal problem-finding tool” that works in any country, transcending language and cultural barriers.
WRITTEN BY
Ichikawa Atsushi
Representative Director and Chairman
After starting his own business at the age of 26, he has over 20 years of management experience in the design and branding fields. In 2016, he moved with his family to the Philippines and established a local IT outsourcing company, leading its global expansion. Currently, as a "GLOBAL BRANDING AGENCY," he supports the growth of companies while also actively working on organizational reforms within his own company. Based on the real-world struggles and firsthand information he has faced in organizational development and overseas management, he shares practical branding and organizational theories that are thoroughly aligned with the perspective of business leaders.
