Title: Towards a multi-input model, method and tool for early design phases in innovation

Authors: O. Pialot, J. Legardeur, J.F. Boujut

Addresses: Grenoble Institute of Technology, University of Grenoble, 46 Avenue Felix Viallet, 38031 Grenoble Cedex 1, France; ESTIA – LIPSI, Technopole Izarbel, 64210 Bidart, France. ' ESTIA – LIPSI, Technopole Izarbel, 64210 Bidart, France; IMS – Bordeaux 1 University, 351 cours de la Liberation, 33405 Talence Cedex France. ' Grenoble Institute of Technology, University of Grenoble, 46 Avenue Felix Viallet, 38031 Grenoble Cedex 1 France

Abstract: This paper focuses on the early design phases of innovative projects. More precisely, the question of the innovation opportunities development and management is addressed here, starting from a theoretical model and methodology, until precise tool perspectives. The key elements of our approach are the potential technology concept (PTC) multi-input model and the C-K theory. Our PTC model is based on three dimensions (concept, technology and potential) and highlights the need of interactions between them regarding strategic and operational levels. Starting from the analysis of these three dimensions, different opportunities for the innovation are identified. In order to develop every identified opportunity, the three dimensions have to be explored with specific workshops and the C-K theory resulting in a tree diagram. The paper presents also tool perspectives dedicated to structure the preliminary exchanges among all stakeholders using criteria to consolidate new ideas. Two case studies are finally proposed.

Keywords: early design phases; potential technology concept; C-K design theory; concept-knowledge; innovative projects; innovation opportunities; innovation development; multi-input models; strategic levels; operational levels; workshops; tree diagrams; tool perspectives; stakeholders; new ideas; idea consolidation; heated wetsuits; surfing wetsuits; CrowdSpirit; Web 2.0; virtual communities; web based communities; online communities; internet; world wide web; crowdsourcing; electronic products; product design; innovation management; technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2011.041947

International Journal of Technology Management, 2011 Vol.55 No.3/4, pp.201 - 217

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article