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Moon Creative Lab

<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:526/665;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image1_2_f9a19e996c.png" alt="image1 2.png" width="526" height="665"></figure>Author: Serene Li, is a Moon Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) from Mitsui Singapore. She joined the Boost program in 2024 with the goal of solving the problem of creating sustainable exercise habits for long-term health benefits. Here is what she experienced at Moon on her entrepreneurial journey.<hr>"Do I need to wait for instructions to start interviewing users?""What are the safest choices to go with?"&nbsp;"Should I wait for Moon's approval for my next concept design plan?"&nbsp;These questions frequently popped up during my early days exploring startup ideas at Moon Creative Lab. They appeared naturally from my corporate-employee mindset. I felt anxious when I realized I no longer had the "safety net" of a manager or senior colleague providing clear instructions and guidance, unlike my previous role at Mitsui &amp; Co.Letting go of this employee mindset wasn't easy. It took courage to take charge of my own plan and execution for the idea. Adjusting to this mindset took time, but it felt necessary because I wanted to see if I could bring my startup idea into reality.In the <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/boost">Boost program</a>, I researched, designed, tested, learned, and adapted continually to deepen my understanding about the market and customers, and considered other factors such as industry trends, on-going innovation, available government support and many more. This constant iteration is essential to drive the idea forward.One of the most important principles that shaped my entrepreneurial mindset is Design Thinking. The problem serves as our compass — whether designing, testing, or connecting with stakeholders, keeping the problem statement in mind has prevented me from pursuing creative concepts that don't effectively solve the problem.&nbsp;<h3>Focus on ends, not means</h3>When I started my entrepreneurial journey, my purpose was to help people develop sustainable exercise habits for their health. I tested a few ideas and struggled to grasp users’ interest in relation to their problem.Later, I moved on to test the next idea: an app that curates audio playlists for users to use while running.&nbsp; I developed a prototype to keep people motivated to run by providing them with stimulating music synced to their heartbeat, interesting, location-specific information, and random fun facts while they are running. However, I was too obsessed with the concept of the playlist, and the problem solving became secondary. Eventually, I realized that providing the curated content was not the means necessary to the problem I really wanted to solve. It was difficult, but I was able to step back and refocus on the important issues.&nbsp; It was a wake-up call that reminded me to stay focused on “solving the right problem.”My key learning in the <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/boost">Boost program</a> has been the importance of staying open-minded and agile. To gather feedback, I've initiated conversations with Moon employees, target users, and even strangers. It was initially challenging for myself as an introvert, but pushing past my shyness and being open-minded have led to unexpected insights and inspiration.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, I have noticed that asking open-ended questions such as “What approach do you think would work best?” or “How do you identify your exercise motivation from time to time?” and listening closely without jumping to conclusions or imposing my own opinions, has helped me build stronger connections with target users. Those connections have encouraged them to continuously share deeper thoughts about their personal exercise experiences, useful articles, and fitness trends, and even helped to discover an innovative market player that addressed the habit-creation problem with a different approach. Such enthusiastic sharing from target users has quickly deepened my understanding about the market and fueled innovation.The process of concept brainstorming and selection, developing the prototypes, reaching out to people, learning from user-testing, and iterating the concept (mostly on my own with some support from Moon) requires much agility. Staying flexible and adapting quickly without being overly attached to the concept allowed me to refocus on the core mission, which is to solve users’ problems.&nbsp;<h3>View risk as an opportunity for growth</h3>Developing an entrepreneurial mindset has opened a new world to me. I've transformed from someone who avoided risks into someone who embraces them as opportunities for growth. While this journey isn't about becoming the next Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg, it's a transformative experience that's helping me — and those around me — become more innovative, inspiring, and empathetic in both work and life.If I could share one piece of advice: Don't wait until you feel ready, because you never will. Embrace the uncertainty of growth and you'll discover you're capable of more than you ever imagined!&nbsp;Author: Serene Li EIR at Moon, from Mitsui &amp; Co.(Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.

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<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54123221287_a09013fbf4_c_6bd4f768e7.jpg" alt="54123221287_a09013fbf4_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>In October, Moon Creative Lab hosted&nbsp;<a href="https://designpaloalto.org/about/">Design Palo Alto</a> — a series of events for industry professionals focused on Innovation, Architecture, Tech, Startups, Ventures, Art, and more. The multiday series took place across various locations in Palo Alto and Stanford, California, featuring panel discussions, presentations, and tours of studios and homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The event, held at Moon’s Palo Alto studio, kicked off with a thought-provoking discussion on "Design Meets Venture Capital," featuring Bill Burnett, Executive Director of the Life Design Lab at Stanford and co-author of the New York Times bestseller,&nbsp;Designing Your Life, alongside Tara Tan from Strange Ventures. They explored the evolving interplay between design, innovation, and investment, sharing insights from their extensive experiences with founders, tech giants, and investors over the years. “Their reflections brought in a diverse audience we were grateful for,” shared Peter Antonelli, Moon’s Global Head of Design. “The audience was very engaged, and we made a lot of great new connections!”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54123221722_845083edc5_c_307cbd082a.jpg" alt="54123221722_845083edc5_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>Following “Design Meets Venture Capital,” Peter presented&nbsp;<a href="https://designpaloalto.org/event/adaptive-by-design/">Adaptive by Design</a>, where he discussed Moon's human-centered design philosophy and how it shapes the products, services, and experiences we develop. “At Moon, design and entrepreneurship are highly symbiotic. Particularly with our early founders, design helps unlock emergent ideas by translating them into tangible, user-facing provocations, which in turn helps shape the path forward. Conversely, entrepreneurs often bring a holistic perspective that provides the essential constraints for design to thrive,” he says.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54123220167_d50047981f_c_06e447830e.jpg" alt="54123220167_d50047981f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>Moon’s Chief Creative Officer, Mike Peng, then took the stage to elaborate on how we apply design in diverse ways to unlock value within Moon and in collaboration with founders. “Design to me is all about intention. It's about taking the time to think through what experience you want people to have and then executing it to the best of your ability," Mike says. "Whether it's our space, our programs, or how we communicate to the world, we want to make sure it feels very Moon — and that's why design is so important to all of us."&nbsp;This insightful event allowed us to engage deeply with the design community and offer them a sneak peek of Moon’s innovative projects. “Hosting events like Design Palo Alto lets us share Moon’s culture and initiate new conversations, opening doors to valuable future collaborations,” Peter explains.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54124067071_c199a43a7b_c_443918dd52.jpg" alt="54124067071_c199a43a7b_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>New collaborations and connections are a current focus of Moon Creative Lab, particularly for our new incubation program, Moon In-Residence. “One of our main goals is to bring even more creative energy to our Palo Alto studio through our Moon In–Residence program, which is designed to help entrepreneurs push their ventures to the next level,” Peter adds. With industry events like this one, Moon aims to bring the entrepreneur and startup communities together to create meaningful interactions that inspire creativity, diverse perspectives, and innovation.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54124523425_af3402bed1_c_45df758931.jpg" alt="54124523425_af3402bed1_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>To learn more about Moon’s In-Residence program and how you can get hands-on help and support for your venture,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/in-residence">check out our website</a>.If you’d like to collaborate and host an event or workshop with Moon, reach out to us with <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1u98RYOcPTfefjoRhgX-xewcxaid">this form</a>.&nbsp;

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<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:4000/4000;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Luma_final_3f4005f343.png" alt="Luma final.png" width="4000" height="4000"></figure>In October, Moon Creative Lab held its first Founder Focus event, which spotlights some of the ventures incubating at Moon as part of the Moon In-Residence program.<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/in-residence">Moon In-Residence</a> (MIR) is Moon’s incubation program based in Palo Alto, California. The program offers entrepreneurs and founders the support they need for their venture, including project space, advisory from experts in design, engineering, product, and more, tools and software, and other hands-on help they need to gain traction in their market.This first Founder Focus event, held at Moon’s Palo Alto studio, showcased three ventures from the MIR program: Amotions AI, deCH.at, and Imagined. Each venture team presented their business to a crowd, discussing not only their venture but also the work they’ve been doing at Moon. Each presentation concluded with a Q&amp;A session with the audience, where founders were asked thoughtful questions and offered feedback. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/768;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/David_851bc192ea.png" alt="David.png" width="1024" height="768"></figure><h3>Getting New Perspectives&nbsp;</h3>Events like this are opportunities for founders to present their business to new audiences, getting fresh eyes and perspectives on their pitch. David Fernandez Vinuales founded deCh.at, a tool that helps businesses scale their customer engagement using AI. David, an experienced founder and presenter, has pitched his ventures to crowds of thousands of people. Whether the audience is of one or one thousand, he believes getting new eyes on pitch presentations helps founders see things they might otherwise be blind to. “You need to get different eyes on your presentation or product because as a founder, you get deep into the grass with your product and there are some things you can’t see yourself, so having other perspectives helps you improve,” David says.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:5244/4542;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dollar_4bf6b0546e.png" alt="dollar.png" width="5244" height="4542"></figure><h3>Connecting Through Storytelling</h3>Storytelling, which is a large part of building a venture, also comes through in pitches. Dollar Zhu and Jack Wang are the founding team of <a href="https://imagined.framer.ai/">Imagined</a>, which helps aspiring professionals navigate their career. Since they’ve been in the MIR program, they have pivoted with their business, which happens often in the venture-building journey, and was a significant part of their storytelling. “As founders, it is always helpful to hone our storytelling skills through these presentations; each occasion to present is an opportunity to reflect and iterate on our vision… For us specifically, since we are at an earlier stage and recently made a pivot from virtual campus tours to helping people navigate their careers, this event encouraged us to build a strong foundation in storytelling,” Dollar says.<blockquote>"Each occasion to present is an opportunity to reflect and iterate on our vision."-Dollar Zhu, cofounder, Imagined</blockquote> Improving storytelling was also something deCh.at’s founder learned through his presentation. “It was nice to get feedback from the audience. It allowed me to see where I could improve, such as telling a better story for people to connect to in addition to the product itself,” David added.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2100/1500;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/pianpian_4d9d0fecc6.png" alt="pianpian.png" width="2100" height="1500"></figure><h3>Hearing From the Audience</h3>But perhaps the most helpful aspect of a pitch presentation is the Q&amp;A that happens after the pitch. Questions from the audience can be challenging, but that often leads to finding the holes in a pitch, helping founders realize what’s missing or what can be improved. Pianpian Guthrie, founder of <a href="https://www.amotionsinc.com/">Amotions AI,</a> which improves productivity for employees with personalized AI coaching and support, was able to get helpful insight and make new connections. “I got some excellent and thoughtful questions from the audience, and met some people interested in our space. For example, someone who worked as a salesperson and thought the AI coaching product we are building for sales people could be very helpful.”David from deCh.at also finds great value in Q&amp;A sessions, acknowledging the importance of audience engagement. “I want to make sure people are engaged and I want them to ask questions. Questions help improve my product and see where I need improvement or see the problem in a different perspective, or confirm my hypotheses with the product,” he says. &nbsp;<blockquote>"As a founder, you get deep into the grass with your product and there are some things you can’t see yourself."&nbsp;-David Fernandez Vinuales, founder, deCh.at</blockquote>Like the other founders, the Imagined team also got a lot from the conversations they had with event attendees. “After the talk, we engaged with a diverse audience in thought-provoking conversations. One notable example is a data scientist who raised questions about the ways we can collect data on educational opportunities so that we can offer a tailored experience to aspiring professionals. We walked away from that conversation with more insights into the data-collection strategy and an introduction to a labor-data analysis group at Stanford!”&nbsp;This event was just the first of more Founder Focus events to come. If you’d like to be invited to events like this and others at Moon Creative Lab, be sure to <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1OHQANbcgR9q4ky5Q4M6wMQcxaid ">subscribe to our mailing list</a>.Are you a founder or have an idea for a new business? Learn more about the Moon In-Residence program and apply <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/in-residence">here</a>. &nbsp;

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<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2550/3300;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/havier_blog_b6c53fccc0.jpg" alt="havier-blog.jpg" width="2550" height="3300"></figure>Author: Javier Mata is a workshop designer and facilitator specializing in learning development and instructional design. With extensive experience creating both in-person and digital content for HRD and MBA programs, he also led a team developing digital content for a business microlearning platform within the corporate arm of a leading organization known for its MBA programs, corporate education, and venture capital initiatives. Passionate about fostering growth and innovation, he engages participants at Moon through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that drive real-world impact. His interests lie in business innovation, design, and strategy.<hr>“Are you a Monday person or a Friday person?”That was a question posed by Dr. Paris de L’Etraz, Managing Director of the Venture Lab at IE Business School, during my MBA. He explained that Monday people leap out of bed, excited to take on the week, while Friday people count down the days until the weekend. That question stuck with me.Over time, as I worked with entrepreneurs and innovators, I found myself shifting from a Friday person to a Monday person. What made the difference? It was ikigai—the Japanese concept of finding your “reason for being.” During my MBA, we focused a lot on frameworks like ikigai. I discovered in the process that my mission lies in designing impactful learning experiences for entrepreneurs in Japan and beyond.For early-stage entrepreneurs,&nbsp;ikigai isn’t just about personal fulfillment—it’s a practical tool for identifying meaningful problems to solve. Let’s explore how ikigai can guide your entrepreneurial journey and help you focus on challenges that truly matter.&nbsp;<h3>The Cultural Roots of Ikigai: More Than Just Unicorn Chasing</h3>In Japan, ikigai isn’t about becoming a billionaire overnight chasing the next unicorn. It’s more about finding the balance between the small, everyday joys and your contributions to society. Think of it as the antidote to burnout: you’re still hustling, but with heart and soul, not just caffeine and all-nighters.In the West, ikigai often gets hyped up as the “one true purpose” you must find, as if you’re on a treasure hunt for a magical career. Spoiler alert: it’s not that dramatic. The Japanese approach is much more grounded—about gradually integrating joy, purpose, and responsibility. Understanding this makes ikigai way more approachable, especially for entrepreneurs who might feel the weight of building the “perfect” business. Spoiler #2: there’s no perfect, just progress.&nbsp;<h3>Case Studies:&nbsp;</h3>To see how ikigai can play out in real life, we can look at two entrepreneurs who built meaningful businesses rooted in purpose.Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia – Where Passion Meets Profit<figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:400/580;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Ivon_36795d64c9.jpg" alt="Ivon.jpg" width="400" height="580"><figcaption><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yvon_Chouinard_by_Tom_Frost.jpg">A photo of Yvon Chouinard by Tom Frost</a></figcaption></figure>Yvon Chouinard didn’t start Patagonia with dollar signs in his eyes. He just wanted to make rock-climbing gear that wouldn’t fall apart. His love for nature and talent for crafting quality outdoor products guided him. The profits? They came second. By staying true to his values, Patagonia evolved into a pioneer in sustainable business.Chouinard didn’t just build a brand—he reshaped consumerism. Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign didn’t push products; it pushed a mindset centered on purpose and environmental activism. By finding the sweet spot where passion, profit, and societal impact meet, Chouinard embodied ikigai—and changed the game.&nbsp;Yoshiharu Hoshino, CEO of Hoshino Resorts – Tradition Meets Innovation<figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/1200;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Hoshino_56e54f93d5.jpeg" alt="Hoshino.jpeg" width="1200" height="1200"><figcaption><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yoshiharu_Hoshino.JPG">A photo of Yoshiharu Hoshino</a></figcaption></figure>Yoshiharu Hoshino didn’t just inherit a family business—he transformed it in a fiercely competitive market. As global hotel chains poured into Japan, reshaping the hospitality industry with foreign investment, Hoshino faced a challenge: how to preserve Japanese culture while competing with these international brands. Instead of following the foreign model, he doubled down on Japan’s rich traditions, evolving his family’s century-old hot spring resort into a globally recognized luxury brand.His approach wasn’t about resisting change but about weaving innovation into the fabric of tradition. By embracing modern travelers’ needs without losing sight of Japan’s cultural heritage, Hoshino not only survived but thrived. His journey is an embodiment of ikigai—where passion, skill, and purpose align to create something meaningful and sustainable, even in the face of fierce competition.&nbsp;<h3>Using Ikigai to Find the Right Problem for Your Startup</h3><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:600/600;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Diagramo_de_Ikigajo_en_svg_e0f6855683.png" alt="Diagramo_de_Ikigajo_-en.svg.png" width="600" height="600"><figcaption><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diagramo_de_Ikigajo_-en.svg">Image of finding the IKIGAI by Eugenio Hansen, OFS</a></figcaption></figure>Ikigai isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it can be used as a roadmap for identifying business problems worth solving. By breaking down four key elements—Passion, Profession, Mission, and Vocation—you can spot a problem that resonates with you and has real market potential.&nbsp; Let’s break it down:&nbsp;<h4>1. What You Love (Passion)</h4>Passion is what keeps you going when things get tough—and trust me, they will get tough. The more you care about the problem, the more likely you are to stay motivated.What you can do: Make a list of industries, causes, or issues that get you fired up. Love technology? Maybe dive into problems in AI, privacy, or digital ethics. Passionate about sustainability? You could consider gaps in renewable energy or waste management. Focus on problems you’d be excited to tackle every day—because if you’re not motivated, you’ll probably move on to something else the second things get hard.<h4>2. What You’re Good At (Profession)</h4>Passion’s great, but solving problems requires expertise. Enthusiasm alone won’t get the job done—you need the skills to make it happen.What you can do: Map out your core competencies. If you’re a data whiz, maybe there’s an opportunity in analytics or finance. If you’re a designer, you could consider solving problems in usability or innovation. Match the problem to your skills,&nbsp;so you’re not just offering ideas but real, workable solutions.<h4>3. What the World Needs (Mission)</h4>A great problem is one the world is practically begging for a solution to. Being passionate and skilled is fantastic, but if the problem isn’t relevant, it’s going nowhere.What you can do: Talk to potential users and uncover their biggest frustrations. What gaps do they see? If people are saying, “Yes, please fix this,” you’re on the right track. Focus on problems with a clear demand for change.&nbsp;The more urgent the need, the more likely a solution will succeed.<h4>4. What You Can Be Paid For (Vocation)</h4>Lastly, if no one is willing to pay for your solution, it’s a hobby, not a business. You need a clear path to monetization..What you can do: Look into the market—are customers willing to pay for a solution? Is there a growing need? Whether through subscriptions, one-time purchases, or services, it needs to make money. Focus on problems that not only resonate with your skills and passion but also have a clear path to revenue.&nbsp;<h3>Conclusion: Using Ikigai to Find the Right Problem</h3>The ikigai framework isn’t just a tool for personal fulfillment; it can be a strategic method for finding meaningful, solvable problems that have real market demand. As you embark on this journey, remember that aligning your work with your purpose will sustain you through the ups and downs, helping you stay grounded in what truly matters.So, what are you waiting for? The world—and your next great business idea—are waiting for your ikigai to emerge.<hr> Moon Creative Lab offers several programs to support startups. If you are interested in transforming your own business idea and growth, please check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=CTA241023&amp;utm_id=storytelling+by+javier">top page</a>.

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<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/blog_anna_2_837cd2adad.jpg" alt="blog anna (2).jpg">Moon Creative Lab, in collaboration with Mitsui &amp; Co., HR &amp; General Affairs division, proudly participated in Mitsui’s 2024 Mission, Vision, Values + Diversity &amp; Inclusion (MVV + D&amp;I) Month initiatives. This is our second time collaborating with Mitsui &amp; Co., to promote D&amp;I at the company on a wide scale. Our mission was to enhance inclusion for Mitsui’s global workforce, culminating in a highly successful MVV + D&amp;I workshop conducted in both English and Japanese.With over 400 participants joining from around the globe, the workshop focused on the theme of "surprising commonalities" to build relationships and foster unity within our diverse teams.&nbsp;<h3>The Power of Commonality in Diversity and Inclusion</h3>While recognizing and embracing our differences is essential in any discussion about diversity and inclusion, we decided to highlight the often-overlooked power of commonalities. By discovering unexpected similarities, we aimed to break down psychological barriers and enhance empathy among colleagues, ultimately encouraging collaboration.For example, finding out in conversation that they have a dog of the same breed can bring them closer together. It reminds people that there are many more commonalities than people think. This ultimately contributes to building psychological safety that allows people to actively express their opinions and share ideas, leading to better team performance.&nbsp;<h3>Engaging and Inclusive Workshop Design</h3>In our interactive exercise, participants were randomly divided into groups of four and tasked with uncovering surprising commonalities for 15 minutes. To spark conversations, we encouraged everyone to share unique experiences, hobbies, and aspects of their lives. Some talked about their hidden talents, introduced unusual hobbies, or said they are actually afraid of something! This approach worked very well with participants who were meeting each other for the first time and led to many different discoveries.&nbsp;<h3>Discovering Unique Connections</h3><img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image2_0d5a3c4f0e.jpg" alt="image2.jpg">The results were remarkable. Participants uncovered a wide range of surprising commonalities, such as:&nbsp;- A shared fear of heights. - Having all four wisdom teeth removed. - Growing up with three siblings. - Experiencing bee stings. - Losing baggage at airports.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Positive Feedback and Future Applications</h3>Feedback from the survey was overwhelmingly positive, with comments like:&nbsp;- “I enjoyed connecting with colleagues across the world.” - “Language does not matter when finding commonalities.” - “Discovering commonalities helped me connect with people quickly.”&nbsp;The enthusiasm didn’t stop there. We received numerous requests for workshop materials from participants eager to replicate the activity within their own teams. Recognizing the value of this exercise, we created a toolkit that is now available exclusively for all Mitsui &amp; Co., employees to ensure everyone has access to this powerful method of fostering inclusion.&nbsp;I tested this activity with my core team and co-facilitator before the workshop. When my co-facilitator and I discovered we both had accidentally stapled our fingers before, and members of my team and I had all eaten crocodile, the process of finding a surprising commonality was a fascinating experience. It made me realize that even with our diverse backgrounds, we still share unexpected similarities. Finding these unique things in common helped me feel more connected to my team and built empathy within the group.&nbsp;<h3>Conclusion</h3>Our MVV + D&amp;I workshop demonstrated that finding common ground, even in the most surprising ways, can be a simple yet powerful tool for promoting inclusion and unity. By continuing to explore and embrace our shared experiences, we can build stronger, more empathetic teams across our global organization.&nbsp;Moon Creative Lab has been striving to be the leading company that thrives on D&amp;I, and we hope that we can continue to make positive contributions to Mitsui &amp; Co., and beyond. Moon’s studio in Omotesando, Tokyo also hosts various events, so please&nbsp;<a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1OHQANbcgR9q4ky5Q4M6wMQcxaid">subscribe to our newsletter</a> and check our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/moon-creative-lab">LinkedIn</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/stories/page/1">Moon Stories Blog</a> and for updates.&nbsp;Author: Anna Hiraoka - Senior Learning and Development Specialist

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<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Design_x_AI_featured_image_f9a7ab1683.jpg" alt="Design x AI featured image.jpg">In August, Moon held its very first series of Design x AI Workshops at both our Tokyo and Palo Alto studios. These workshops are designed to help understand and utilize emerging AI technologies to build stronger, more creative business ideas.&nbsp;&nbsp;For these first two workshops, participants gathered in person at Moon’s studio in Tokyo or Palo Alto. The day started with our Design x AI team covering the fundamentals of LLMs, including its strengths and weaknesses, and discussing the ethics surrounding the use of generative AI. Participants then learned how to use AI beyond the back-and-forth prompting of chatbots, building their own complex LLM systems that they can use in their work.&nbsp;<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Design_x_AI_Nic_3145b233a8.jpg" alt="Design x AI Nic.jpg">Some of the participants were completely new to learning about and working with AI, while others seemed to be more familiar with it. But regardless of their AI knowledge, everyone was eager to learn and build. Lots of conversations even continued after the workshop was over, filling our studios with lively discussions and insightful perspectives.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I liked that there were so many opportunities to ask questions and develop a really good understanding of the content. The presented content was very clear and simple, and at the same time, it became clear through the answers that Nic and Daniel [facilitators] were really knowledgeable far beyond what they presented,” said one participant in the Palo Alto workshop.<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Design_x_AI_Rika_a47694e804.jpg" alt="Design x AI Rika.jpg">Some participants were very focused on taking what they learned about LLMs and applying that to the specific needs of their company’s department. “In each workshop, the group experienced an ‘aha’ moment: a moment where they understood that LLMs are statistical models, trained on the Internet, that predict the next word in a sequence of words. For many participants, understanding this technical fact and considering how it impacted the utility of LLMs as tools was a huge unlock,” said&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nic@mooncreativelab.com">Nic Schumann</a>, Moon engineer and workshop facilitator.&nbsp;“Our premise for the workshops was that understanding – even in broad terms – how LLM’s work, helps designers and business-builders make much better informed decisions about where to apply the technology and where not to,” Nic added.&nbsp;Of course, the AI landscape is rapidly evolving with new tools and technologies being introduced constantly. With Moon’s Design x AI Workshops, we can learn and explore these new resources together and apply them to better, more innovative business creation.&nbsp;<a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1viPhBVoDSl6EqouYB4Ckhwcxaid">Stay connected</a> to receive updates on more workshops and events to come.&nbsp;

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<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2550/3300;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/havier_blog_b6c53fccc0.jpg" alt="havier-blog.jpg" width="2550" height="3300"></figure>Author: Javier Mata is a workshop designer and facilitator specializing in learning development and instructional design. With extensive experience creating both in-person and digital content for HRD and MBA programs, he also led a team developing digital content for a business microlearning platform within the corporate arm of a leading organization known for its MBA programs, corporate education, and venture capital initiatives. Passionate about fostering growth and innovation, he engages participants at Moon through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that drive real-world impact. His interests lie in business innovation, design, and strategy.<hr>As a facilitator at Moon, I’ve worked with multiple people in early stage business creation who rush into creating solutions without fully understanding the problem. The result? Missed opportunities and wasted time on ideas that don’t have the stickiness needed to win in the market.&nbsp;Many jump straight to solutions, only to find they're addressing weak or irrelevant problems. Others drift further and further away from solving the actual problem they started out with. This article is my response to that trend. I’ll walk through some guidelines to deeply explore the problem space, identify problems that are painful, scalable, and meaningful–so you're not just solving any problem, but the&nbsp;right one.&nbsp;<h3>What Makes a Problem Worth Pursuing?</h3>Not all problems are created equal. To ensure your efforts go toward a problem that truly matters, there are three criteria you should consider when exploring the problem space:&nbsp;<h4>1. It Should Be Painful</h4>The more painful a problem is, the more people will beg for a solution. Pain is opportunity’s best friend. When something creates friction, loss, or inconvenience, people will pay to make it disappear.&nbsp;Example: SmartHR, a Japanese startup, identified a pain point for businesses: tedious HR processes and compliance with labor laws. By offering cloud-based solutions to automate payroll, tax filing, and other HR tasks, SmartHR alleviated administrative burdens, becoming a widely adopted solution in Japan. And let’s face it—if you're the one making HR paperwork disappear, you’ll be everyone’s hero.&nbsp;What you can do: Interview potential users, run surveys, or observe pain points in forums or social media groups to gauge the level of discomfort. Focus on issues that make people’s lives tangibly worse — those are the ones they’ll pay to solve.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>2. It Should Be Scalable</h4>Solving a painful problem is one thing. Solving a painful problem for&nbsp;millions of people? Now that’s where the real magic happens. The more widespread the issue, the larger your potential market.&nbsp;Example: Slack started as an internal communication tool for Tiny Speck, a game development company. However, Tiny Speck quickly pivoted Slack into a solution that addressed a much bigger problem: ineffective workplace communication. Slack became a must-have for organizations of all sizes. When you're solving a problem that can serve both small teams and large enterprises, you know you've hit the scalability jackpot.&nbsp;What you can do: Use tools like Google Trends, industry reports, or keyword research tools to analyze how many people are searching for or affected by the problem. Survey a diverse audience across different regions or demographics to validate demand. If the problem is widespread and growing, you're in a scalable space.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>3. You Should Care About It</h4>If you don’t care about the problem, you’ll throw in the towel the minute things get tough. Passion isn’t just a bonus — it’s what keeps you in the game when the obstacles pile up. You’ve got to be so invested in the problem that you’ll fight through the mess to see it solved.&nbsp;Example: Leila Janah, founder of Samasource was deeply empathetic to the struggles of underserved communities. After witnessing poverty firsthand, she became passionate about creating digital work opportunities to help people lift themselves out of it. Despite repeated rejections from investors, her empathy and commitment kept her going, resulting in real change for thousands. Like Leila, you need a problem that speaks to your empathy and gets you out of bed before the coffee kicks in.&nbsp;What you can do: Journal about your personal connection to the problem. Ask yourself: "Would I still work on this if it took years to solve?" If the answer is no, it might not be the right fit. Choose a problem you care about emotionally or personally to keep your motivation strong through tough times.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Common Pitfalls in Problem Solving</h3>Even when you’ve found a great problem, the path to solving it is littered with potential missteps. Here are the pitfalls I often see that you need to sidestep:<h4>1. The Real Problem Isn’t What You Think</h4>Sometimes, what looks like the problem is just a surface-level symptom of something bigger. It’s easy to jump to conclusions and tackle what seems obvious, but often, the real issue lies deeper. Focusing on the wrong problem leads to ineffective solutions, wasted time, and missed opportunities.&nbsp;Example: Instagram started as a check-in app called Burbn, allowing users to check in at various locations and share photos. However, the founders quickly realized that users didn’t care about check-ins, and they struggled to differentiate Burbn in a crowded market. What users really wanted was a simple, visually appealing way to share photos. By pivoting to solve this deeper need, Instagram became a social media powerhouse. Turns out, when you give people what they actually want, they tend to stick around.&nbsp;What you can do: Apply the "5 Whys" method to dig deeper into the problem. Each time someone identifies a problem, ask “Why is this happening?” five times. This will help you uncover the core issue that needs solving, rather than just treating the symptoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>2. The Solution in Search of a Problem</h4>It’s easy to get dazzled by shiny new tech. But creating a solution and then hunting for a problem to solve? That rarely ends well. The solution has to&nbsp;fit the problem, not the other way around.&nbsp;Example: Clubhouse, the audio-only social app, skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic, but it quickly fizzled out as the hype died down. The app created a buzz but didn’t solve a long-term, pressing need. As other platforms like Twitter and Facebook replicated the audio feature, users had little reason to stick with Clubhouse. Without a lasting problem to anchor its solution, Clubhouse couldn’t sustain its early momentum. Turns out, riding the hype train only works until the tracks run out.&nbsp;What you can do: Before developing a solution, make sure there’s a clear demand for it. Survey or interview potential users to ensure the solution addresses their specific needs. If you can’t clearly define the problem your solution solves, it’s time to rethink the approach.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>3. Lack of Experience in the Problem Space</h4>You can’t solve a problem you don’t understand. Experience in the problem space gives you the insight to know what works and what doesn’t. Without it, you’re likely to create solutions that miss the mark.&nbsp;Example: Quibi, a short-form streaming service founded by Hollywood executive Jeffrey Katzenberg and led by former HP CEO Meg Whitman, launched in 2020 with over $1.75 billion in funding. Despite their high profile careers, they lacked experience in the streaming space and failed to understand the viewing habits of mobile users. The service, which focused on short, premium content, couldn’t compete with free platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Just six months after launch, Quibi shut down, proving that even high-profile names can fail without deep knowledge of the problem space.&nbsp;What you can do: Choose a problem you have deep knowledge about, or partner with someone who does. Leverage your network or use platforms like LinkedIn to find and connect with experts in the problem space. Partner with someone who has deep knowledge, or immerse yourself in researching the area by working directly with those affected by the problem to gain critical insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Conclusion: Don’t Waste Time on Useless Problems</h3>Exploring the problem space isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — it’s the foundation of your startup’s survival. As an early-stage entrepreneur, your top priority should be to nail down problem-solution fit before you burn through months (or years) building an MVP that no one asked for. You can’t find the right solution without first locking onto the right problem.Here’s the ugly truth: too many entrepreneurs waste years chasing the wrong idea because they never took the time to deeply explore the problem. So, dig deep to uncover those painful, real problems that people will pay to make disappear. Avoid the common pitfalls, and always remember: it’s not just about creating a brilliant solution — it’s about solving the right problem. Nail that, and you’re not just set to play the game — you’re on a trajectory to win it.<hr>Moon Creative Lab offers several programs to support startups. If you are interested in transforming your own business idea and growth, please check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=CTA2410&amp;utm_id=storytelling+by+javier">top page</a>.&nbsp;Top Photo by<a href="https://unsplash.com/@danasaki?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">&nbsp;Dan Asaki</a> on<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-brown-concrete-blocks-aI3jlXTqrdI?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">&nbsp;Unsplash</a>.

<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/DSCF_5011_1_d8360298c0.jpg" alt="DSCF5011 1.jpg">On September 3, 2024, the Moon Creative Lab Tokyo Studio in Omotesando buzzed with energy as the 5-day Spark program culminated in the exhilarating “Make-a-thon” event. 46 innovators from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Germany, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Malaysia came together to bring 36 groundbreaking business ideas to life, working both individually and in teams. They captivated visitors as they pitched their ventures, each presentation showcasing a unique innovative vision for a new business idea.  Spark isn't just a program—it's a melting pot of challenges and ideas from all over Japan and the world, consistently producing a rich tapestry of innovative solutions every time it's held. When we asked a representative from a renowned company—who continually encourages their employees to participate—what keeps them coming back, they shared, “Because the ideas here are always beyond the ordinary.”  This is the magic of Spark: it brings together a mosaic of perspectives to push boundaries and reimagine what's possible. Facilitators at each table witnessed participants stepping boldly out of their comfort zones, embracing invaluable feedback from peers, and refining their business models with newfound insight. The diversity here didn't just ignite innovation; it forged meaningful connections and collaborations that promise to extend far beyond the program itself.<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Group_2215_cec0819bc6.jpg" alt="Group 2215.jpg">What groundbreaking ideas and startups will emerge next from the up-and-coming entrepreneurs nurtured here? Stay tuned! And of course, we warmly invite you to participate in the program yourself.&nbsp;<h3>Join the Next Spark</h3>Spark is Moon's practical 1-week intensive program for 0 to 1 business creation. Participants from various regions, industries, companies, and departments come together to participate in a dynamic program to develop their business ideas. Participants are divided into several groups to quickly shape their ideas through a mix of self-driven work, lectures, and advice from facilitators. In the end they pitch their ideas using a landing page created with no-code tools. The next Spark will be held May 14-20. Please check the registration page for details.&nbsp;<a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1npsWnu58T1a_EJzXt4AAvQcxaid?utm_source=Intranet_0925&amp;utm_medium=post0925&amp;utm_id=spark_report_0925">&gt;&gt; Apply to Next Spark</a><a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/spark?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=post0925en&amp;utm_id=spark_report_0925">&gt;&gt; Visit Spark Page</a><a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/stories/spark-202405?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=post0925en&amp;utm_id=spark_report_0925">&gt;&gt; Report of Spark Spring 2024</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/SPARK_GRAPHICS_GRADIENT_1_03240b9c37.png" alt="SPARK_GRAPHICS_GRADIENT (1).png">

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