Exploring the Future of What IBM Cloud Could Be.
What if_ is a design program co-created to explore the future experiences of IBM Cloud. Bringing together over 200 IBMers, it established a north star, pushing innovation and using storytelling to inspire.
IBM
Ongoing Program
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The Mission: Exploring the Future of IBM Cloud
The What if_ program aimed to capture and explore diverse ideas, providing guideposts to shape IBM Cloud into a market-leading platform. The core idea was inspired by James Cameron's philosophy: "Imagination feeds exploration, you have to imagine the possible before you can go and do it." This initiative sought to harness collective imagination for tangible innovation.
The Spark: From Kubernetes to a Cloud-Wide Vision
The concept for What if_ originated from "Mutiny," a project exploring the future of IBM Kubernetes. Mutiny began with simple yet powerful questions: What if you could follow Kubernetes resources seamlessly? What if a collaborative terminal could enhance teamwork? We prototyped these ideas, exploring how to turn them into reality and laying the groundwork for a broader innovation program.
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The Approach: Capturing Ideas and Building a North Star
To capture a wide array of ideas, we organized a 3-day Design Jam. Over 200 IBMers participated, sharing their insights and voting on the most promising concepts. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team grouped these submissions into "emerging themes." These themes became the foundation for "Voltron," an effort to create a north star vision for IBM Cloud, focusing on next-generation design and layout.
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The Outcome: A North Star and a New Way of Working
The What if_ program successfully established a north star vision for IBM Cloud and introduced a new operational model for innovation within the organization. An internal website was developed, allowing teams to submit ideas, collaborate on existing ones, and track their progress from conception to launch. This platform fostered a continuous cycle of ideation and development, shaping the future of IBM Cloud.