Wabi-Sabi + Simplification = Marval 36

Discover how embracing simplicity over perfection unlocks real business transformation, and how Marval 36 empowers teams to streamline, adapt, and improve workflows, without complexity.

The ultimate workflow formula

In Japanese philosophy, wabi-sabi teaches us to find beauty in imperfection and impermanence. When combining Wabi-Sabi with a philosophy of simplification, this becomes enormously powerful for real business transformation.

Instead of obsessing over complex, flawless workflows, what if we launched business processes that aren't 100% perfect but beautifully simple? Any missing bottlenecks aren't disasters; they're instead a roadmap to continued streamlined optimisation.

The simplification advantage: when we strip away complexity and embrace "good enough" solutions, teams can focus on what actually moves the needle. A simple, imperfect process that everyone uses beats a complex "perfect" system that sits unused, or worse still, undeliverable.

Real workflow transformation happens when: Operations teams quickly adjust approval processes, removing unnecessary steps based on real usage. Also when HR departments iterate on streamlined onboarding flows, cutting bureaucracy as policies evolve. When project managers modify tracking systems per project needs, focusing only on essential metrics, and when teams surface issues immediately, simplifying rather than adding more layers to broken processes.

The game-changer: democratised service management

Here's where this becomes truly transformative, when underpinned by a service management solution that anyone in a business can use effectively. No more IT bottlenecks or developer dependencies. When an operations manager can modify a request workflow in minutes, an HR specialist can streamline employee processes on the fly, and project leads can adjust tracking systems without submitting tickets, that's when simplification meets velocity.

Think of it as democratising continuous improvement. The person closest to the problem becomes empowered to solve it immediately, iteratively, and simply. They can strip away unnecessary fields, eliminate redundant approval steps, or add critical tracking elements based on real-world usage patterns, in minutes, not weeks.

The compound effect is remarkable, as simple processes are easier to understand and adapt. User-friendly tools mean faster iteration cycles. Teams own their solutions, creating genuine buy-in. Problems get solved at the source, not escalated through layers. Continuous refinement becomes part of daily work, not special projects.

Think also of the Japanese art of kintsugi, broken ceramics mended with gold lacquer. The cracks don't hide the damage; they celebrate resilience and tell a story of adaptation. The beauty of Marval 36, isn't in hiding imperfections but in celebrating simplicity and resilience through an accessible tool that everyone in a business can use to make a continual positive impact, iteratively!

When service management becomes as simple as using everyday applications, teams will naturally gravitate toward iterative improvement. They're not intimidated by the technology anymore, so they focus on the real challenge, creating workflows that genuinely serve their business needs.

This creates a virtuous cycle. A simple tool enables simple processes, which encourage more experimentation, leading to better solutions that teams actually want to use. Complex, rigid systems do the opposite; they discourage iteration and lock in suboptimal processes.

Imagine how we, as Marval, could positively impact global businesses, if their teams could simplify AND iterate their workflows as easily as updating a spreadsheet…

Ready to simplify and empower your teams?
Let’s talk about how your organisation can embrace simple workflows that evolve with your business, not against it. Book a discovery session with our team and start your simplification journey today.