Fun and Learning: The Soft Side of Business Analysis
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
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Business analysis is a cornerstone of modern decision-making, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be stiff or overwhelming. Believe it or not, adding some fun and games to business analysis can turbocharge learning, boost engagement, and make knowledge stick like glue.
In my career, I’ve uncovered a fascinating world where game-playing helps you master business analysis. Embracing this animated approach can transform a seemingly complex domain into a playful adventure of discovery.
This is your mission, should you choose to accept it.
Gamification of Analysis and Related Fields
Gamification is one of the most effective ways to bring a stronger sense of play to business analysis. By injecting games into business analysis tasks, practitioners can experience an even greater sense of achievement, competitiveness, and excitement. The use of concepts like leaderboards, badges, and rewards can motivate you to see data challenges in a new way. For example, participating in a simulated business scenario where you make data-based decisions can produce greater insight into real-world applications.
One business analysis technique that has elements of gamification is collaborative games. A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide) references several structured techniques inspired by gameplay and designed to facilitate collaboration. Within organizational change management, gamification can even help encourage staff inclusion and adoption.
An Animated Approach to Problem-Solving
Introducing puzzles and riddles related to business analysis can stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Deciphering a code or solving a data-related mystery encourages creativity and might uncover hidden insights.Platforms that offer interactive analysis puzzles or mysteries provide a collaborative and entertaining way to learn the intricacies of business analysis. Techniques associated with this approach include brainstorming, mind mapping, and collaborative games.
Creative Data Visualization
Visualizations are a critical component of business analysis, and turning them into works of art can help engage stakeholders.Encourage business analysis professionals to treat data visualizations as creative canvases. Instead of regular charts, your team can generate vibrant canvases of creativity. Tableau is one of the best tools for producing interactive charts.
This approach not only enhances data interpretation skills but also allows for creative expressions. Get ready to unleash your inner artist!
Storytelling with Facts
Humans are wired to respond to stories, so incorporating storytelling into business analysis can make it more applicable and memorable.Encourage the construction of narratives around data and transform various information into compelling stories. Whether it’s a data-driven chronicle of a company's growth or a historical analysis of trends, storytelling can bridge the gap between data and human experience.
User stories are an example of storytelling and human experience, as the persona is a representation of a particular target market. The application of combined facts, experience, memory recall, opinion, and observation will give rise to a gem of a story.
Conclusion
Adding some fun to business analysis definitely enhanced my own certification journey, which was anything but ordinary. I even created two collections of exciting puzzles along the way, deepening my business analysis knowledge.Business analysis should not be boxed into a formal world without flexibility or a sense of play. Gamification, puzzles, visualizations, storytelling, role-playing, and collaboration are just some of the ways to make it an even more stimulating adventure.
Ultimately, striking a balance between structured processes and entertaining experiences can lead to successful projects and professional growth. During your next project, consider how a little fun might improve learning and collaboration amongst your team.
Are you game?
Everything you need to make a project successful is at your fingertips. Purchase A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide)—the globally recognized standard for the practice of business analysis.
About the Author
Kafilat Oluwasola is a Business Analyst/Consultant at Noubliepas Limited, a firm which she established in 2017 to provide freelancing analytical services. She is the creator of funandlearningwithBA and recently published business analysis puzzles in English and French.
