Innovation Management ? Testing Ideas

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Testing Ideas

Sometimes ignoring everybody works. But this is rare. And only wise if you can afford the loss.

Success is more often related to verifying that the assumptions being made are indeed valid.

Before investing time and money, test the idea:

a) Does it indeed address the end users problem? Is this a problem that they are willing to spend money solving? Irons that talk to the microwave may sound like a good idea, but why will the customer want this and will she spend money on it? How exactly will the consumer benefit?

b) Are we persuading ourselves that the idea will work? Is there a high degree of groupthink? Are we persuading ourselves that the marketing team will create desire?

c) Is there strategic, technical and competency fit with the firm?

d) What are the practical impediments? Are we considering cultural and emotional impediments as well as technical?

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

**********************************

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

---

Better Links Directory

Accelerate Your Learning

Although you may not currently be a student, learning is... Read More

Thousands of Failures, but Thousands of Patents

Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before he revolutionized the... Read More

Befriend Your Budget, This Yuletide and Always

It is that time of year again. Yuletide?Christmas in the... Read More

Perfectionism - The Dangerous Trap!

Just when I have something figured out, along comes another... Read More

Penny For Your Thoughts?

Every artifact, every tool, everything ever designed or created by... Read More

All Fortunes Begin With an Idea!

A new idea is merely the combination of two or... Read More

Mindfulness and Beliefs: Irrationally Yours

I can't help it--I am a confirmed neuroscience geek.So I... Read More

Innovation Management ? The Harsh Facts Of Life For All Innovators

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management - Special People?

People often think that there is a creative type. This... Read More

How To Be An Innovator In A World Of Change

Innovators are opportunity-oriented.What's the hidden opportunity in that problem? Where... Read More

Prevention is Better Than Cure... Says Who?

You've likely heard this before... "An ounce of prevention is... Read More

Innovation Management ? predicting winners

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Change Is a Skill Development Learning Process

Change, like almost every other life experience, is a learning... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management ? Fast Feedback

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

I Just Want to be Free - I Just Want to be Me!

It was a sunny Saturday in April 2003 in Myrtle... Read More

Choosing a Winning Business Idea

You've probably heard it a hundred times by now -... Read More

Discontinuous Innovation

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

A Time for Rebellion!

When is it right for you to rebel against the... Read More

The Subtle Secret Of Transformation

Great men and women succeed moment by moment, step by... Read More

Why It?s Important to Make Your Idea Real

Say you have an idea for something new and exciting... Read More

Is Mans Next Step Like A Can of Potted Meat?

Is it the dawning of the Age of Aquarius? For... Read More

Create An Idea Journal

When I first heard Jim Rohn talk about the importance... Read More

Business Ideas ? Need a New Idea? Try Changing Your Perspective

One definition of creativity states that creative people look at... Read More

Starving for Intimacy

Some are seeking love in a bottle. Others look for... Read More

Can A Simple Idea Change Your Life?

Ideas happen all the time. And when I say an... Read More