How to Measure Innovation
May 3, 2011
No matter if it’s a test score, sports game result or a sales figure, what we measure is what goes down in history. After all, “what’s measured is treasured.” It’s human nature to look back at past results as a basis for comparison and for improvement in the future. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to carefully observe and measure performance in the New Product Development process. In each of the different stages of the process, keep track of how much time is being... Read more »
Feels Like the First Time: Innovation Through Product Experience
April 26, 2011
When was the last time you experienced your product like it was your first time? Product development is a process of cycles – followed by closure. We innovate and create a new concept. Assemble teams to research, develop, manufacture and market the product or service. We then ship it to market. And then… What? SEE: http://www.robertsrulesofinnovation.com/idea-management We leave it out there for consumers to embrace, or ignore. Meanwhile, as our products mature on the store shelves of the marketplace,... Read more »
Observe & Measure: When Validating Innovation, ‘What’s Measured Is Treasured’
January 25, 2010
Innovation may be vital to creating competitive advantage. But how costly is ineffective innovation? That is, if a company sets out on a new product or service development initiative – and that effort fails along the way for whatever reason – what has been lost? Investments in time, effort, capital – even reputation? What if the company set in place a practice of observing and measuring innovation at select or pre-set milestones along the way? Roadblocks, sticking points or issue that otherwise might... Read more »
New Product Development Requires Fresh Perspective on ‘Creative’ and ‘Structure’
December 1, 2009
New product development can be a misunderstood concept. Is the “product” actually a product? Or can it be a process? Is it a mandate from the C Suite? Or can it be a suggestion from the factory floor, the retail showroom, the Idea Box or a customer tip? How wide is your idea funnel? And how do you treat ideas once they land in the organization’s “idea hopper”? (see the blog post on “Innovation and Idea Management” to discover how to handle in-bound ideas). Answer these questions, and you’ve... Read more »
Experimentation + Risk (+ Failure) = Improved Environment for Innovation
October 19, 2009
Thomas Alva Edison was a failure. It has been said that he “went back to the drawing board” more than 6,000 times before finding the right plant to produce a carbonized filament for his incandescent light bulb. Six thousand times. Do you have that kind of innovative stamina? It’s been said that Risk + Experimentation (+ Failure) = Improved Environment for Innovation. Put another way, Innovation = Creativity x Risk Taking. Innovation is an experiment of sorts. It requires a culture of risk, opportunity... Read more »
Accountability: The Rudder of Innovation in a Changing Business Environment
October 5, 2009
As companies and organizations pursue innovation to transform themselves from what they currently are or offer, to what they want to become or provide the marketplace, accountability is the rudder that steers pursuits and prevents a wandering, directionless ship. Wikipedia defines “Accountability” as part responsibility and answerability, liability and enforcement, blameworthiness and consequences. “Accountability is defined as ‘A is accountable to B when A is obliged to inform B about... Read more »
Inspiring Innovation-From Small Startups to World Leadership Organizations Innovation is a Must for Business to Thrive and Perpetuate
September 24, 2009
How can your organization inspire Innovation? With long-term commitment to progress of the process, leaders must drive the journey from start through finish. Clearly-defined expectations towards the progress, as well as a definitive end-result are imperative elements involved. As a leader, one must inspire and drive the team. Regular meetings and dedication to touching on progress week-by-week are mandatory, and a clearly-outlined definition of the desired culture of the company helps each member of... Read more »
Innovation Evolution
