Students of the SBM ITB gained exclusive insights into how a leading tech company like Microsoft thinks, innovates, and adapts in today’s fast-paced digital era. As part of the Prototyping in Practice course, they attended a guest lecture on Thursday (22/5) by Dwi Cahyo Nugroho, Microsoft’s Director of Customer Success.
In his presentation, Dwi shared Microsoft’s behind-the-scenes approach to innovation across three key areas: software prototyping, artificial intelligence (AI) development, and the future of tech talent.
“We’re not only competing with other humans, we’re competing with AI. Therefore, we must move faster, adapt smarter, and think deeper,” Dwi emphasized.
He explained that Microsoft’s innovation journey began with the launch of its first Innovation Hub, originally known as the Microsoft Technology Center, in Boston in 2000. What started as an experiment to provide collaborative, immersive experiences for business clients has since become a global standard.
The Innovation Hub is a creative space where clients, partners, and Microsoft experts can jointly explore technology solutions through business envisioning and rapid prototyping processes. Dwi emphasized that Microsoft’s business model has also evolved.
“Customers no longer just want products. They want solutions that help solve their business problems and transform their operations,” he explained.
Dwi then introduced the six-step prototyping methodology used at Microsoft to design user-oriented solutions, starting from User Role Identification, Role Play, Storyboard, Journey Mapping, Prototype, to Testing.
Meanwhile, in terms of AI, Dwi explained how Microsoft is now integrating AI Agents and AI Assistants into daily business processes. For example, in managing business travel, AI is now able to plan, book, and report travel costs automatically.
He noted that ongoing technological advancements are reshaping the future of work, giving rise to emerging roles such as AI Trainers, Agents, and Data Specialists, ROI Analysts, and AI Strategists across fields like marketing, finance, and customer service.
Dwi also highlighted five key skills for 2025, as identified by LinkedIn: AI Literacy, Conflict Mitigation, Adaptability, Process Optimization, and Innovative Thinking.
“The world is changing faster than ever. Your greatest asset is the ability to continue learning and adapting,” concluded Dwi.