Ayako Chiba, who works on UX development at Sony Corporation, participated in the three-month intensive course "Philosophical Innovator Training Course" (Note 1), designed to foster the ability to decipher new signs. Participant Interview Article Note 1: The "Philosophical Innovator Training Course" is a three-month intensive course that cultivates the ability to decipher new signs (precursors to change and business opportunities found within oneself, one's company, or society). Ms. Chiba from the UX Development Department ■ Background and Expectations: We've Reached a Point Where Chasing Numbers Alone Isn't Enough to Win (Excerpts from an interview with Ms. Chiba of Sony Corporation below) Ms. Chiba: My team has consistently engaged in customer understanding activities. We accompany them in the field, conduct thorough research, and listen intently to user feedback. We take pride in creating products and services through such processes. However, I had a sense that we've reached a point where simply chasing what is visible as "numbers" or "words" is no longer enough to win. I felt that what we should be competing on next is exploring the "deep layer of the user" that lies beneath. I thought philosophy might hold the key to this, and with that expectation, I decided to participate. ■ Program Content: Cultivating the Ability to Decipher New Signs The course consisted of a six-session, three-month program aimed at refining participants' "way of seeing things" and fostering the ability to decipher new signs (precursors to change and business opportunities found within oneself, one's company, or society). After each session, philosophers active not only in academia but also in the business world created "Philosophical Analysis Reports" (Note 2) that delved deeper into participants' statements and provided hints for further thought. Workshop Scene Note 2: If you are interested in the content of the reports, please contact us via the "Inquiry Form" below. Inquiry Form ■ Eff