Examples of Lean in the wild for inspiration
Do you have an example of Lean in the wild? Email hello@ad-esse.com to add it to our list of examples.
Kanban
Red ’emergency’ roll is a trigger that you’re about to run out
Duplicate items so that when one is finished it can be replaced, so there is always a spare
A water bottle that triggers when to drink depending on the time of day
A dishwasher that opens when it's finished running, triggering the next step to unload
Poo bags that tell you you'll need another roll!
Standardisation / Reliability
Restaurants having photos and instructions of what plates should look like / size of portions etc
Heinz have added the pantone of their ketchup to the label of bottles so you can tell if it’s been refilled with a different brand! Watch the video –>
Instructions showing what each stage of the process should look like
Visual Management
Knife shadowboard on Alcatraz Island, so you know if one is missing
Logo on top edge of the plate ensures food is presented to diner as intended by the chef
Refillable cleaning products demonstrate how much water and concentrate is needed
Book spines demonstrate the order they should be on the shelf
Social distancing circles during Covid 19 Pandemic
Visual management found in a pub in the Cotswolds
Visual management found in a hotel in Copenhagen
Trolley bags to scan, sort and pack your shopping properly
Visual management on stairs to avoid crushes, so people can get up and down without obstructing the other direction
Top stop people thinking you have left the bar, and taking your seat/throwing your drink away
Lane control at Dover ferry docks
Now it's clear which seat is yours in the cinema
Common visual cue to staff in a german Brauhaus that you've had enough beer thanks and visual markings to indicate how many you've had so they can charge you appropriately
Vegan food on the green plates. Means there is no confusion over whose food is whose.
Colour coded shopping baskets depending on whether you would like help or not
How to identify at a glance people with similar interests or required discussion points
HOW NOT TO DISPLAY DATA! Irelands performance has actually been getting better, but this visual makes it looks like it's dropping at first glance!
Lights in the toilets let you know from a glance if the cubicles are free or not
These lights behind the toilet doors tell you if the door is properly locked or not
Error proofing
Lawn mower automatically shutting off when handle is released
Changes colour when dry – can see where you’ve painted
Allergens in obvious place on chocolate pudding!
In Japan, the label for meat changes colour if the meat goes off (oxidises the barcode)
Nail varnish colour coding of school tights so it’s clear whose is whose without trying them on!
Prevention: Flatpack screws etc. sorted by step rather than type
Detection: Visual indicators of when it is time to replace your tyre
ATM won't give you your cash until you have removed your card - this stops you leaving your card in the machine
Defibs are completely visual, and you can't get access to one without calling 999 first, therefore preventing people from using them without guidance. When opened, the device speaks to you to tell you what to do.
Straighteners automatically switch off after 30mins of not being in use
Mat up, the climbing wall is free to use and safe to approach. Mat down, the wall is in use and it is not safe to pass underneath.
What happens when there isn't any effective mistake proofing in place....