LOTUS FLOWER EN
LOTUS FLOWER EN
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Theory
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Case studies
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Assignment
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For download
Theoretical Framework of the Tool
Description of the tool:
The Lotus Blossom Technique is a creative method that helps to systematically develop and expand ideas. The name “lotus blossom” comes from the idea that just as the petals of a flower unfold, we gradually develop a basic idea into new perspectives or solutions. We place the initial idea in the center and gradually create “petals” around it with proposed solutions, suggestions, or further questions. Each “petal” then becomes a new “center” (central theme) for another round of ideas.
The Lotus Blossom Technique is particularly useful when we need to systematically explore different aspects of a single problem or opportunity. Thanks to the visual and gradual branching of ideas, we can uncover unexpected connections and come up with a comprehensive package of solutions.
Principle of the Lotus Blossom Technique
- The central theme (or challenge) is placed in the middle.
- Around it (like petals), we note 8 key ideas or sub-themes.
- Each of these 8 ideas then becomes the central theme for its own separate “petals”.
- We continue this process until an extensive structure of new ideas and inspirations is created.
Objective of the tool
The objective of the Lotus Blossom Technique is to:
- Create a comprehensive picture of a single problem or opportunity.
- Develop the central theme in various directions (e.g., product innovations, marketing, finance, technology, design).
- Connect different perspectives and thus generate ideas that might not have emerged in a linear brainstorming session.
- Enable the team to organize diverse ideas into a clear, understandable structure.
Step by step: a guide on how to use the tool
Prepare:
- A team of people (3–5 members) open to new suggestions.
- A large piece of paper or a flip chart (or an online tool) where you will draw and write.
- Sticky notes (Post-its) or markers for recording ideas.
- Time (30–60 minutes, or more, depending on the complexity of the problem).
- A moderator (facilitator) who will guide the discussion and oversee the process.
Step 1: Defining the central theme
- Clearly name what you want to solve – for example, “How to design a new loyalty program for our customers?”
- Write this central theme in the center of the paper or your online workspace (in the central box).
Step 2: Identify 8 main directions (petals)
- Around the center (theme), create 8 boxes where you will write key areas related to the theme.
- For example: “marketing strategy, product design, technical solutions, pricing, customer experience, internal communication, partnerships, sustainability, or the aforementioned loyalty program”.
Step 3: Develop each “petal”
- Each of these boxes becomes a new “center” in its own lotus structure.
- Around it, create another 8 boxes (smaller petals) where you think more deeply about solutions, ideas, or problems related to that specific area.
- For example, if in the “sustainability” section you write “use recycled materials,” in the surrounding smaller boxes (new petals) you can further develop specific ideas: “find local suppliers,” “calculate the product’s environmental footprint,” “obtain environmental certifications,” etc.
Step 4: Create a multi-layered map of ideas
- You can continue branching out with more layers – depending on how deeply you want to explore the topic.
- The result will be a complex “mandala” or network of ideas, where each area is thoroughly developed.
Step 5: Group summary and prioritization
- At the end, review all the main and detailed ideas.
- Evaluate which ones are the most promising and start planning their further development or implementation.
- If there are too many ideas, a quick prioritization (e.g., a scoring system or team discussion) will help.
Fig. Lotus Blossom Model
Each flower represents a different area of the problem.
Tools and materials
- Large paper (e.g., A2 or flip chart) or online tools (Miro, Mural) for drawing the lotus diagram.
- Colored markers and sticky notes to clearly distinguish different categories or layers.
- Stopwatch or timer to keep track of time during idea generation and presentations.
- Computer or tablet (if you are working digitally) so that everyone can see and share the results.
Tips and tricks
Start general, gradually get more specific: The first layer is often quite broad (marketing, finance, technology…), while in the second, you should focus on specific solutions (online campaign, mobile app, partner campaigns).
Analogy to a mandala: Imagine drawing the main theme in the center and 8 other fields in a circle around it. Each field is also a new center for its own circle of ideas.
Leave space for connecting ideas: Sometimes an idea from the “marketing” circle can also be applicable in “product design.” Be prepared for overlapping and connecting different areas.
Don’t forget the subsequent selection: The Lotus Blossom generates many options. After the creative part, it is important to create a clear summary and select the most important solutions.
Use visual differentiation: For example, color each layer differently or use different shapes to make it easier to navigate the extensive structure of ideas.
Most common mistakes with the Lotus Blossom Technique
- Too broad or vague a theme: If you don’t know exactly what you are solving, it’s hard to find relevant petals.
- Poor organization: Ideas can get mixed up and chaotically overlap if you don’t proceed layer by layer.
- Forgetting the action plan: Simply creating a lotus diagram without discussing implementation can end up as a “nice picture” with no result.
Conclusion
The Lotus Blossom Technique is a visual and systematic method that allows teams to develop one key theme or challenge into multiple areas. By branching out each key area (petal), we get a more detailed and interconnected view of opportunities or solutions. This creates a comprehensive “map of ideas” (the lotus blossom) in which all team members can easily navigate.
Possible model situations on how to apply the tool in practice
Case study: Coca-Cola Zero
Brand: Coca-Cola
Product/service: Coca-Cola Zero
Campaign description
To increase awareness of Coca-Cola Zero as a sugar-free drink that still delivers the same taste as the original Coca-Cola. The campaign aims to appeal mainly to the younger generation, which is looking for healthier alternatives but doesn’t want to miss out on the taste experience.
Step 1: Define the goal: “How can we increase the popularity of Coca-Cola Zero among young people?” We write this theme in the center of the lotus diagram as the starting point.
Step 2: Divide into 8 areas: Around the central theme, we create 8 boxes that represent the main areas in which we can generate ideas. In our case, the main areas are:
- Marketing strategy
- Product design
- Technological innovations
- Customer experience
- Social media and influencer marketing
- Sustainability support
- Partnerships and collaborations
- Promotions and events
Step 3: Develop each area: Around this area, we will create another 8 boxes where we will add specific ideas:
- Marketing strategy
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- Create a series of viral videos showing a “blind taste test” between Coca-Cola Zero and the original Coca-Cola.
- Launch an outdoor campaign with modern visuals and slogans like “Same taste, zero sugar”.
- Promote Coca-Cola Zero as the ideal drink for an active lifestyle.
- Launch a retro campaign reminiscent of the early years of Coca-Cola, but in a modern Zero version.
- Create a special edition of cans with names or popular emojis.
- Emphasize the health benefits compared to classic cola (sugar-free, fewer calories).
- Run advertisements during sports broadcasts and e-sports tournaments.
- Promote it as the perfect drink for movie nights – a partnership with Netflix.
- Product design
- Create a limited edition of cans with modern artistic designs.
- Use innovative packaging materials.
- Change the packaging size – introduce smaller cans for quick consumption.
- Create interactive packaging with QR codes that link to fun content.
- Use a minimalist design with an emphasis on “ZERO”.
- Create special packaging for promotional events.
- Produce packaging designed for sporting events.
- Add personalized messages or motivational slogans to the cans.
- Technological innovations
- Create an AR filter on Instagram that shows virtual bubbles around the user when they drink the beverage.
- Launch a Coca-Cola Zero app where customers collect points for athletic performance, and these points can be exchanged for prizes.
- Use smart fridges at events that recognize Coca-Cola Zero cans and offer special promo codes.
- Create an interactive ad in weather apps (“Hot day? Choose Coca-Cola Zero!”).
- Launch a gamified campaign – collect cans and win special rewards.
- Create personalized video messages after scanning a QR code on the packaging.
- Partnership with gaming companies – virtual rewards for purchasing Coca-Cola Zero.
- Use NFC technology to get instant discounts in stores.
- Customer experience
- Organize Coca-Cola Zero tastings in public places.
- Offer the option of personalized cans.
- Launch a loyalty program for customers.
- Organize contests for brand-related experiences (e.g., VIP concert tickets).
- Create special promo packs for festivals.
- Add small gifts to Coca-Cola Zero packaging (e.g., stickers, collectibles).
- Collaborate with other brands on special offers.
- Introduce dedicated Coca-Cola Zero vending machines.
- Social media and influencer marketing
- Partnership with popular influencers on TikTok and Instagram.
- Launch a viral challenge on TikTok with the hashtag #ZeroLimits.
- Organize live tasting broadcasts.
- Create funny memes on social media featuring Coca-Cola Zero.
- Create a series of short comics with Coca-Cola characters.
- Launch interactive polls on Instagram (“Original vs. Zero?”).
- Offer influencers a limited edition to unbox as a surprise.
- Collaborate with YouTubers who will review Coca-Cola Zero in their vlogs.
In this way, all 8 petals of the flower are developed. Each of the above petals can be further branched into more details and specific steps. For example, the “Social media and influencer marketing” area could be further branched into specific activities for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
Step 5: After completing the lotus diagram, the team evaluates all the ideas and selects the most promising ones:
- Launching a series of viral videos with a “taste test”.
- Partnership with influencers and a TikTok challenge #ZeroLimits.
- Limited edition cans with QR codes leading to special content.
- Tastings in public places and at festivals.
- A loyalty program combined with gamification and rewards for purchasing Coca-Cola Zero.
Based on the selected points, it is possible to think about a comprehensive campaign for the Coca-Cola Zero brand.
Task Assignment
Brand: Wolt
Product/service: Design a marketing campaign for the Wolt Market service focused on promoting grocery delivery to households. The campaign aims to increase the number of grocery orders through Wolt, emphasize the speed of delivery, and the ease of using the application. Additionally, the campaign should appeal to various target groups, such as families, working professionals, or young people living in cities.
Campaign Goal: To increase awareness of the Wolt Market service in cities.
Step 1: Defining the central theme:
In the center of the lotus diagram, write the main theme:
“How can we increase the number of grocery orders through Wolt Market?”
Step 2: Identify 8 main campaign directions (petals):
Around the main theme, create 8 boxes where you will write different key campaign areas:
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
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- _________________________________
- _________________________________
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Step 3: Developing each petal:
Each of the 8 boxes becomes a new “center” for its own circle of ideas.
For each area, propose specific ideas and solutions.
Fig. Template you can use. Each color represents one of the 8 main directions.
Step 4: Group summary and prioritization
After creating the lotus diagram, students in groups will evaluate all the ideas and choose the ones they consider the best and most feasible.
Questions for discussion:
- Which ideas have the greatest potential to attract new customers?
- ___________________________________________________
- Which ideas could help differentiate Wolt Market from the competition?
- ___________________________________________________
- Which ideas can be implemented quickly and what would be their impact?
- ___________________________________________________
Outputs
Brief presentation (max. 10 minutes):
Each group will present its main ideas and campaign proposal, which will include:
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- Present their lotus blossom.
- Present the main ideas that emerged from the discussion and define why they chose them.
- Proposals for specific steps and their implementation.
This assignment will allow students to practice the Lotus Blossom method when designing a marketing campaign for a real product. Thanks to this technique, they will be able to systematically develop ideas in various areas (marketing, technology, customer experience) and create a comprehensive and clear campaign proposal that can help increase the use of the Wolt Market service.