How we do what we do
With the power of design thinking, we think and act fundamentally differently: from the end user's perspective, with an eye for what touches, resonates and really fits.
Our Role
We guide the process. We create space for new insights, collaboration, and experimentation.
In a world that is constantly changing, we believe in the importance of slowing down and truly taking a closer look at what’s going on. We design moments that create space for reflection, new perspectives, and exploring what’s possible.
We bring people together in a way that encourages openness and a sense of ownership. Not by laying everything out in advance, but by leaving room for things to unfold naturally.
“The wisdom is in the room.” The knowledge and experience needed are already there. We help bring them to light and put them to use—by asking the right questions, connecting different perspectives, and creating an environment where insights emerge from within and are embraced by everyone.
Together, we tackle complex social issues. We don’t do this alone—we do it with you.
How can we help your organization?
Together
Understanding the core of the issue
Thinking and Acting Differently
Developing and Implementing a User-Centered Approach
Forward-looking
andimpactful solutions
7th Generation Principle
We operate according to a concept rooted in the indigenous Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) tradition, which is deeply grounded in sustainable and responsible leadership.
What does it mean?
Essentially, the principle states: “With every decision you make—whether it concerns governance, the environment, the economy, or society—you must consider what lessons you can learn from the three generations that came before you and the consequences for the next three generations.”
At The Next Lab, we feel a sense of responsibility for the well-being of future generations, and we learn from those who came before us.
- What went well in the past, and what can we do better?
- How do we plan for the long term?
- How can we ensure that we don't act solely for short-term profit?
Where does it come from?
It comes from the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy, one of the oldest participatory democratic systems in the world. In that context, leaders were expected to make decisions that would serve the earth and the people even hundreds of years from now.
We’re not thinking that far ahead (yet). Let’s start with the first three generations after us. That will already take us a long way.
Why is this relevant to The Next Lab today?
In times of “wicked problems” (climate change, depletion of natural resources, and social inequality), we at The Next Lab view this principle as an ethical compass.
How do we put this into practice?
We put this principle into practice by asking ourselves the following when making major decisions:
- What if everyone did this?
- How would this affect my (grand)children or (great)grandchildren?
- Is this decision sustainable, fair, and future-proof?
- What does this mean for non-users?
We facilitate many projects for other organizations and challenge these groups with these questions. We practice them often and aren’t afraid to fail. We’ll all get good at it naturally. Our (grand)children and (great)grandchildren will be grateful to us.
A wide range of methodologies
We have a wide range of methodologies at our disposal. These range from design thinking tools—such as stakeholder mapping, empathy interviews, customer journeys, and prototyping—to methods that strengthen collaboration and insight within teams.
We use co-creation and experimentation to bring ideas to life and, where appropriate, also draw on insights from sources such as Lencioni, Socratic dialogue, and the Enneagram. In this way, we connect the substantive with the human—and foster development that works and lasts.
The People Behind The Next Lab
Our team consists of professionals who are curious, ask probing questions, and drive change. We facilitate processes, bring different perspectives together, and help leaders and teams think and act differently.
Complex issues call for new ways of working.
By researching, designing, and learning together, we can change systems step by step.