From definition to evaluation..

The innovative process is a long process, that takes a lot of research and redefining before it can actually be implemented. The steps below form a clear picture with regard to this process, but one should keep in mind that the company needs to be ready for the changes that the innovation brings. 

In six simple and clear steps, the process is described from the initial idea until it become an innovation or even a unique selling point (USP) for the company

  1. At first, the idea needs to be clearly described and analyzed by doing concept investigation and the acquisition of knowledge. In this stage, you already start sharing you idea with others in order to get feedback that will improve the product, and it will also be the start of a solid foundation and support which is needed for the idea to be successful. Sharing your ideas can be done in an online community, face-to-face during lunch, in a bar while having a beer, or in any other occasion for that matter.
  2. When you do not plan to champion the idea yourself, you should find someone who will. More about a product champion can be found here
  3. Once a compatible champion is found, the parameters should be set which can be done with the Roderkerken Innovation model. Once the boundaries are distinguished, the idea should be explained in as much detail as possible. This is necessary so that other employees and management know what to expect and what the consequences are, leading to a solid foundation for the idea.
  4. Ones the management is convinced of the necessity and feasibility of the idea, a soft launch will be done in order to see how the innovation works in real life. The data that is recovered from this soft launch will be analyzed and discussed after which the innovation is adapted. After the- often incremental- changes are made, a second soft launch is done with the same steps are the first.
  5. Once the innovation is approved by the management, the product is introduced into the market after which it becomes an ongoing element in the organization's activities.
  6. Since the innovative process is iterative by nature, the process does not stop once the product is put in the market. Quality assurance and data analysis should be done constantly so that incremental adaptations can be done, improving the product to perfection.