Arguing the OE, Episode 2: Military Design, Part 1, Introduction & Design's Four Questions

Professional Military Education (PME) struggles to teach design well. Whether known as operational design or Army design methodology, design as a practice require several "reps" to gain proficiency. It requires groups of military professionals and Unified Action partners--with markers in hand--collaborating and arguing about how best to understand and intervene in the world. This five-part series on design is intended to help jump-start the practice of design by illustrating how real-world commanders have exercised its various elements. In this introduction, I explain the relationship between the commander, design, and detailed planning. I also describe how design revolves around the iterative confrontation with four questions: What's going on now? How do I want things to be in the future? What is the problem? How, in broad terms, will I achieve my desired state of affairs?
For more information, see my article in Military Review on design at: usacac.army.mil/.../MilitaryReview_20110430_art008.pdf
Or you may Google "A Practical Guide to Design: A Way to Think About It, and A Way to Do It"

[@remskeane558]

Good video that provides the layman an understanding of the "right" questions to ask as a commander in developing an understanding of the OE...

[@joselares-lh9xb]

Thanks...Army Strong!!!!

[@douglaspollock102]

This is a great video. Please don't misconstrue the number of questions that follow as an attack on the video. Hopefully my questions will help other learners. What is the JOPP/Army definition for "design"? What doctrinal publication contains the definition? If the definition is not in doctrine, then what definition is being used? Is "design" a process, system, or other? If there is no relationship (implied tension) existing between "design and JOPP/MDMP, then why are they depicted together? Is "design" a substep of JOPP/MDMP? If so, then how does "design" differ from the steps of MDMP? The video focuses on the Commander's role in design and then uses elements of MDMP (U, V, D) to frame "design's" use without much difference other than the Operational Approach diagram and narrative. MDMP produces deliverables such as the COO, MCOO, SITTEMP, Problem Statement, Mission Statement, COAs, COA Sketch, etc. What are the deliverables resulting from the output of design? Is it merely an Operational Approach diagram similar to what is used to depict LOO/LOE and a narrative?

[@trinitybaez1787]

Thank you for posting these videos, they've been extremely helpful. SMC Class 69

[@santaclausewitz1891]

One thing to keep in mind, is often times innovation in a field can take place more by horizontal means them vertical. Darwin came up with his notion of Natural Selection in part by studying the economist Thomas Malthus who noted more organisms are born in nature then survive. The steam engine, was derived in part from the water pump used in coal mines. Albert Speer revolutionized logistics for the Reich as Minister of Armaments by applying his training as an architect which allowed him to think in three-dimensions as a matter of habit. Jared Diamond, who revolutionized history, began as a bird watcher/biologist and applied what he knew of forensic sciences to historical problems. See this article by the Harvard Business Review entitled "Great Innovators Think Laterally": hbr.org/2013/04/great-innovators-think-lateral

[@jdalexis]

Great Lesson! Thank you.

[@Cavalerie263]

excellent lessons,thx

[@stevensmiley7673]

Can we change the understanding question to What is the Current State?, and What is the Root Cause of Current State? Then What is the required End State?, and What is our Operational approach to get to the end State?

[@k.thayerhardy520]

Questions = Command Critical Information Requirements (CCIR); satisfied CCIR facilitate timely decision making.

[@benjaminbowden5684]

Thanks for this clear description. Very helpful.

[@RodneyJames138]

To the CPT or LT who is wielding the camera: GET A FREAKIN' TRIPOD! I now have motion sickness thanks to you.

[@jamesalafayette8255]

Nobody gives a shit.

[@joshuagoering2048]

This is a perfect illustration of how "professional" ILE is. Post a lecture video that is as amateur in its production values as you could wish for.

[@stephenramsbottom4321]

does someone knock on the door in the 6th minute?