One of the biggest misconceptions about innovation is that innovation is usually synonym for radical change. In reality, while every firm wants to differentiate itself in today’s crowded marketplaces, most companies are reluctant to introduce revolutionary products to market. The Hewlett-Packard: Flight of Kittyhawk case published on the Harvard Business Review explains why disruptive innovation…
Innovation of the Week – Repurpose Schoolbags
Designed by Rethaka (Pty) Ltd, a South African company, Repurpose schoolbags are recycled schoolbags that come equipped with solar panels which charge up during the day when kids walk to school. The purpose of the schoolbags is to be used as a source of light so that children living in disconnected areas can study when they…
Experimentation and Learning
Many innovative companies first failed before they became successful. Apple, for example, had its share of failures. The company used to make products that only reached a few people (Macintosh, etc.). However, Steve Jobs learned, adapted and started to create products that had a broad appeal. Today, what continues to separate Apple from others in…
Innovation of the Week – No More Woof Headset
Created by a Scandinavian Research Lab, No More Woof headsets use brain-scanning technology to detect dogs’ thoughts and translate them into spoken words. Source: http://www.nomorewoof.com/
Challenge Assumptions
Conventional assumptions are unquestionably barriers to innovation. The problem with assumptions is that we learned them from our past experience, in childhood from our siblings, parents, etc. They have been part of us for many years so it is very difficult to challenge them. Because assumptions make it difficult to recognize opportunities, I decided to change…
Innovation of the Week – Solar Power Window Socket
This socket is powered by solar energy and can be easily attached to any window. Source: http://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/technology/misc-gadgets/solar-powered-window-socket/
Innovation and Organizational Design: What is the DNA of a successful innovative company?
The Corporate New Ventures at Procter & Gamble case written by Teresa M. Amabile and Dean Whitney and published in the prestigious Harvard Business Review is a great example of how innovation is closely linked to organizational design. In summary, the case demonstrates that it is almost impossible to innovate if a firm does not have…
Innovation of the Week – MedSnap ID
MedSnap ID is a medical app available for iPhones and iPads that helps people identify prescription pills and ensure that they take the right ones. Source: https://medsnap.com/medsnap-id
My Favorite Idea Generation Techniques
Lateral Thinking and Mind Mapping Lateral thinking is a technique that seeks to solve problems by using unorthodox ideas. It involves approaching problems from unexpected angles and from different perspectives. Mind mapping is a graphical technique that connects thoughts, ideas or concepts from a central word in a diagram form. I like the lateral thinking…
Innovation of the Week – Robot Turtles
Robot Turtles is a new board game that was designed to teach 3-8 year old kids the fundamentals of coding. Source: http://www.robotturtles.com/
5 Tips to help you find fresh ideas
Open your eyes: People have the tendencies to look at one particular thing or process only part of the information available to them. This is called selective attention. It’s important to capture/observe as much as possible from a particular scene or environment. Sometimes, the greatest innovative ideas come from our surroundings. Be open-minded: Try new…
Innovation of the Week – Sensoria Fitness Socks
Sensoria Fitness Socks help runners avoid injuries and can track how well someone is recovering from injuries. http://store.sensoriafitness.com/sensoria-fitness-bundle-offer-one-anklet-4-pairs-of-socks/
Innovassion 