In the current industry trends as a part of the transformation, there are various models such as “Multi-Model”, “Bi-Model” or “Single Model”. Each model has its pros/cons. But, based on the trends and how industries are heading towards, the “Bi-Model” is a widely used model.
As per Gartner — Bimodal is the practice of managing two separate but coherent styles of work: one focused on predictability; the other on exploration. Mode 1 is optimized for areas that are more predictable and well-understood. It focuses on exploiting what is known, while renovating the legacy environment into a state that is fit for a digital world. Mode 2 is exploratory, experimenting to solve new problems and optimized for areas of uncertainty. These initiatives often begin with a hypothesis that is tested and adapted during a process involving short iterations, potentially adopting a minimum viable product (MVP) approach.
If we look at the practical world — if you are doing too much innovation then you are taking risks to expand or main the business then you are pretty much heading towards Mode 2. But, if you are going toward too much steady or constant phase then by default you are heading towards a “steady state” which is nothing but Mode 1.
Both approaches have their own pros/ cons. Let’s understand it with a few examples:
Example 1 — “Are you a brand new organization that can take risks and work as an industry disrupter or change agent, and maybe that’s your strength”. If that’s the case the definitely you wanted to head toward Mode 2…”
Example 2 — “Are you part of an organization which is existing in a particular industry for a significant duration and having a large user base but looking for changes or transformations to compete with other organizations then ideally you should go for a Bi-model but sometimes it depends on the use case and you may adopt for Mode1 or probably Multi-Modal approach”.
In conclusion — As a part of Bi-Modal, both modes are essential in creating substantial value and driving significant organizational change. In my (or industry) point of view, a more predictable evolution of products and technologies (Mode 1) with the new and innovative (Mode 2) is the essence of an enterprise's bimodal capability. Both play an essential role in digital transformation and largely play significant roles in large modernization journeys. At the end of the day, it depends on the use case but as I mentioned with examples, please use them as per the “need” in a particular organization.
