STEPS to Innovation
Paul Levy
Lorraine Davies
University of Brighton
Welcome and tuning in…
What brought you here today?
What are you restless about?
The STEPS model over the five weeks…
SCOPE
TEST
EVALUATE
PILOT
SCALE
Testing Before Launch
Informal Idea Testing
Proof of Concept
Prototyping
Piloting (Alpha and Beta Testing)
Post-launch testing (Continuous innovation)
Testing After Launch
Why is it important to test an innovation before launch?
Is there such a thing as a bad idea?
Why is it important to test an innovation before launch?
Identify and Fix Problems.
One reason to test an innovation before launching it is to identify any potential problems or issues with the product or service.
Testing allows for feedback to be gathered, and any issues or bugs can be identified and addressed before the product is released to the public.
This can save a lot of time and money down the road, as well as prevent negative reviews or damage to the company's reputation.
Why is it important to test an innovation before launch?
Ensure User or Customer Satisfaction.
Another reason to test an innovation before launching it is to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of its target audience.
By testing the product with a group of users, developers can gain insights into what works and what doesn't, allowing them to refine the product to better meet the needs of their target audience.
This can lead to higher levels of user satisfaction, which is crucial for the success of any innovation.
Why is it important to test an innovation before launch?
Evaluate Market Fit.
Testing an innovation before launching it also allows developers to evaluate whether there is a market fit for the product or service.
By gathering feedback from potential customers, developers can gauge interest and demand for the product, helping them to determine whether it is worth investing resources in further development and marketing.
This can save companies from launching products that fail to gain traction in the market, and instead, redirect their resources towards more viable opportunities
How well do we observe?
How do you test an idea?
Three tests of an innovative idea
https://rationalmadness.wordpress.com/2019/02/27/the-three-tests-for-an-innovative-idea/
DAWWAW Panels
https://rationalmadness.wordpress.com/2019/05/31/dawaw-panels/
Testing an idea to destruction
Using a “growth mindset”
40 ways of testing an innovation idea
1. Market Research: Conducting market research to assess the need and demand for the innovation idea.
2. Customer Feedback: Gathering feedback from potential customers to understand their interest and potential adoption of the innovation.
3. Focus Groups: Organizing focus groups with a target audience to get detailed insights on the innovation.
4. Surveys: Conducting surveys to understand customers’ opinions and preferences regarding the innovation.
5. Prototype Testing: Creating a prototype and testing it with a select group of users to evaluate its usability, functionality, and features.
6. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Creating a minimum viable product (MVP) and testing it in the market to see how customers respond to the innovation.
7. A/B Testing: Conducting A/B testing to compare two different versions of the innovation and determine which one is more effective.
8. Beta Testing: Offering a beta version of the innovation to a select group of customers to get feedback and identify areas for improvement.
9. Expert Reviews: Seeking feedback from experts in the field to evaluate the innovation idea.
10 SWOT Analysis: Conducting a SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the innovation idea.
40 ways of testing an innovation idea
11. Competitive Analysis: Analyzing the competitive landscape to see how the innovation idea stacks up against existing products and services.
12. Financial Analysis: Conducting a financial analysis to evaluate the feasibility and potential profitability of the innovation idea.
13. Scalability Analysis: Assessing the scalability of the innovation to determine if it can grow and expand in the future.
14. Concept Testing: Testing the concept of the innovation idea with potential customers to see if they understand and appreciate the idea.
15. User Testing: Conducting user testing to see how potential customers interact with the innovation and identify any usability issues.
16. Social Media Testing: Leveraging social media to test the innovation idea and gather feedback from a large audience.
17. Pilot Testing: Testing the innovation idea on a small scale to identify any issues and refine the product before launching it to a wider audience.
18. Field Testing: Testing the innovation in a real-world setting to see how it performs and to identify any potential issues.
19. Customer Trials: Offering the innovation to a select group of customers for a trial period to get feedback and refine the product.
20. Customer Validation: Validating the innovation idea with potential customers to confirm the need and demand for the product or service.
40 ways of testing an innovation idea
21. Crowdfunding: Using crowdfunding platforms to test the viability of the innovation idea by gathering financial support from potential customers.
22. Partnership Testing: Partnering with another company or organization to test the innovation and gather feedback from their audience.
23. Co-creation: Collaborating with potential customers to create the innovation together and receive real-time feedback.
24. Expert Panels: Convening a group of experts to evaluate the innovation and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.
25. Stakeholder Interviews: Conducting interviews with stakeholders to gauge their interest and support for the innovation idea.
26. Scenario Planning: Creating different scenarios and testing the innovation idea in each scenario to identify any potential issues or opportunities.
27. Ethnographic Research: Conducting ethnographic research to understand the cultural and social context in which the innovation idea will be used.
28. Usability Testing: Testing the usability of the innovation idea to ensure that it is intuitive and easy to use.
29. Analytics: Analyzing data from website traffic, social media engagement, and other sources to gauge interest in the innovation idea.
30. Customer Personas: Developing customer personas to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of potential customers.
40 ways of testing an innovation idea
31. Design Sprints: Conducting design sprints to rapidly prototype and test different versions of the innovation idea.
32. Guerrilla Testing: Conducting on-the-spot testing of the innovation idea with random people in public places to gather feedback.
33. Early Adopter Testing: Offering the innovation to early adopters who are willing to test and provide feedback on new products or services.
34. Brand Perception Testing: Testing how the innovation idea is perceived by potential customers and assessing whether it aligns with the brand’s values and image.
35. Covert Testing: Testing the innovation idea without the knowledge of potential customers to see how they naturally respond to it.
36. Sales Testing: Offering the innovation idea for sale in a limited capacity to test its demand and gather feedback from customers.
37. Technical Feasibility: Assessing the technical feasibility of the innovation idea by evaluating the necessary infrastructure, resources, and expertise needed to develop and launch it.
38. Regulatory Compliance: Assessing the regulatory requirements and compliance issues associated with the innovation idea to ensure that it meets legal standards.
39. Competitive Advantage: Evaluating the innovation idea against existing competitors to identify any unique advantages or benefits that it offers.
40. Real-world Testing: Testing the innovation in a real-world setting to identify potential issues and refine the product before launching it to a wider audience.
Types of innovation testing - choose your top 3 and identify the reasons for your choices
Pilot Testing: Testing the innovation idea on a small scale to identify any issues and refine the product before launching it to a wider audience.
Field Testing: Testing the innovation in a real-world setting to see how it performs and to identify any potential issues.
Customer Trials: Offering the innovation to a select group of customers for a trial period to get feedback and refine the product.
Customer Validation: Validating the innovation idea with potential customers to confirm the need and demand for the product or service.
Crowdfunding: Using crowdfunding platforms to test the viability of the innovation idea by gathering financial support from potential customers.
Partnership Testing: Partnering with another company or organization to test the innovation and gather feedback from their audience.
Co-creation: Collaborating with potential customers to create the innovation together and receive real-time feedback.
Expert Panels: Convening a group of experts to evaluate the innovation and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.
Stakeholder Interviews: Conducting interviews with stakeholders to gauge their interest and support for the innovation idea.
Scenario Planning: Creating different scenarios and testing the innovation idea in each scenario to identify any potential issues or opportunities.
Ethnographic Research: Conducting ethnographic research to understand the cultural and social context in which the innovation idea will be used.
Usability Testing: Testing the usability of the innovation idea to ensure that it is intuitive and easy to use.
Analytics: Analyzing data from website traffic, social media engagement, and other sources to gauge interest in the innovation idea.
Customer Personas: Developing customer personas to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of potential customers.
Design Sprints: Conducting design sprints to rapidly prototype and test different versions of the innovation idea.
Guerrilla Testing: Conducting on-the-spot testing of the innovation idea with random people in public places to gather feedback.
Early Adopter Testing: Offering the innovation to early adopters who are willing to test and provide feedback on new products or services.
Brand Perception Testing: Testing how the innovation idea is perceived by potential customers and assessing whether it aligns with the brand’s values and image.
Covert Testing: Testing the innovation idea without the knowledge of potential customers to see how they naturally respond to it.
Sales Testing: Offering the innovation idea for sale in a limited capacity to test its demand and gather feedback from customers.
Technical Feasibility: Assessing the technical feasibility of the innovation idea by evaluating the necessary infrastructure, resources, and expertise needed to develop and launch it.
Regulatory Compliance: Assessing the regulatory requirements and compliance issues associated with the innovation idea to ensure that it meets legal standards.
Competitive Advantage: Evaluating the innovation idea against existing competitors to identify any unique advantages or benefits that it offers.
Real-world Testing: Testing the innovation in a real-world setting to identify potential issues and refine the product before launching it to a wider audience.
TYPES OF iNNOVATION TESTING
Market Research: Conducting market research to assess the need and demand for the innovation idea.
Customer Feedback: Gathering feedback from potential customers to understand their interest and potential adoption of the innovation.
Focus Groups: Organizing focus groups with a target audience to get detailed insights on the innovation.
Surveys: Conducting surveys to understand customers’ opinions and preferences regarding the innovation.
Prototype Testing: Creating a prototype and testing it with a select group of users to evaluate its usability, functionality, and features.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Creating a minimum viable product (MVP) and testing it in the market to see how customers respond to the innovation.
A/B Testing: Conducting A/B testing to compare two different versions of the innovation and determine which one is more effective.
Beta Testing: Offering a beta version of the innovation to a select group of customers to get feedback and identify areas for improvement.
Expert Reviews: Seeking feedback from experts in the field to evaluate the innovation idea.
SWOT Analysis: Conducting a SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the innovation idea.
Competitive Analysis: Analyzing the competitive landscape to see how the innovation idea stacks up against existing products and services.
Financial Analysis: Conducting a financial analysis to evaluate the feasibility and potential profitability of the innovation idea.
Scalability Analysis: Assessing the scalability of the innovation to determine if it can grow and expand in the future.
Concept Testing: Testing the concept of the innovation idea with potential customers to see if they understand and appreciate the idea.
User Testing: Conducting user testing to see how potential customers interact with the innovation and identify any usability issues.
Social Media Testing: Leveraging social media to test the innovation idea and gather feedback from a large audience.
Pilot Testing: Testing the innovation idea on a small scale to identify any issues and refine the product before launching it to a wider audience.
Field Testing: Testing the innovation in a real-world setting to see how it performs and to identify any potential issues.
Customer Trials: Offering the innovation to a select group of customers for a trial period to get feedback and refine the product.
Customer Validation: Validating the innovation idea with potential customers to confirm the need and demand for the product or service.
SWOT Analysis: Conducting a SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the innovation idea.
Competitive Analysis: Analyzing the competitive landscape to see how the innovation idea stacks up against existing products and services.
Financial Analysis: Conducting a financial analysis to evaluate the feasibility and potential profitability of the innovation idea.
Scalability Analysis: Assessing the scalability of the innovation to determine if it can grow and expand in the future.
Concept Testing: Testing the concept of the innovation idea with potential customers to see if they understand and appreciate the idea.
User Testing: Conducting user testing to see how potential customers interact with the innovation and identify any usability issues.
Social Media Testing: Leveraging social media to test the innovation idea and gather feedback from a large audience.
Testing Before Launch
Informal Idea Testing
Proof of Concept
Prototyping
Piloting (Alpha and Beta Testing)
Post-launch testing (Continuous innovation)
7-step sequential model for testing out a new potential innovative consultancy service in business
1. Identify a specific target market for the new service: For example, small businesses that are struggling to improve their sales and marketing strategies.
Measure: Number of potential clients in the identified target market.
2. Develop a clear value proposition: For example, the consultancy service could offer a tailored approach to each client's specific needs, with a focus on data-driven strategies and measurable outcomes.
Measure: Client satisfaction with the service and the value delivered, as measured through surveys and testimonials.
3. Create a prototype of the service: For example, the consultancy service could offer a free initial consultation to potential clients, during which the consultant could provide a high-level assessment of the client's needs and potential areas for improvement.
Measure: Number of potential clients who sign up for the free initial consultation.
7-step sequential model for testing out a new potential innovative consultancy service in business
Test the prototype with a small group of clients: For example, the consultancy service could work with a small group of 5-10 clients to refine its approach and gather feedback.
Measure: Client satisfaction with the service, as measured through surveys and testimonials.
Refine the service based on feedback: Based on the feedback received from the small group of clients, refine the service to better meet their needs and address any issues that arise.
Measure: Number of changes made to the service based on client feedback.
Launch the service to a wider audience: Once the service has been refined, launch it to a wider audience of potential clients, using targeted marketing and outreach strategies.
Measure: Number of new clients who sign up for the service within the first month of launch.
Evaluate the success of the service: After several months of operation, evaluate the success of the service based on a range of metrics, including client satisfaction, revenue generated, and the number of successful outcomes achieved.
Measure: Revenue generated by the service, client retention rates, and the number of successful outcomes achieved.
10 step process for creating an MVP
1. Define your target audience: Identify your target audience and understand their needs, problems, and pain points.
2. Define your value proposition: Clearly define the value your product offers to your target audience. What problems does it solve, and what benefits does it provide?
3. Identify your MVP features: Determine the key features that are essential for your MVP. Focus on the minimum set of features that will allow you to test your assumptions and get feedback from your target audience.
4. Create wireframes: Create simple wireframes to outline the basic structure and functionality of your MVP.
5. Choose your development tools: Choose the tools and technologies that you'll use to build your MVP. Consider factors such as speed, cost, and scalability.
10 step process for creating an MVP
6. Develop your MVP: Build your MVP using the wireframes and development tools you've chosen. Remember to keep it simple and focus on the key features.
7. Test your MVP: Test your MVP with your target audience to gather feedback and validate your assumptions. Use surveys, interviews, and usability testing to collect data.
8. Analyze the feedback: Analyze the feedback you've received and identify the areas that need improvement. Use this feedback to refine your MVP.
9. Iterate and improve: Use the feedback to make improvements to your MVP. Continue to iterate until you've achieved a product that meets the needs of your target audience.
10. Launch your MVP: Launch your MVP to a wider audience and use the feedback you receive to further improve your product. Remember to continue listening to your customers and iterating based on their needs and feedback.
Bias in Innovation Testing
What types of bias could distort the objectivity of innovation testing?
Examples of Bias in Innovation Testing
Confirmation bias: When researchers or testers have a preconceived notion or belief about the innovation, they may unconsciously seek out and interpret data that confirms their pre-existing beliefs while ignoring data that contradicts them. This can result in a biased testing process where only the evidence that supports the researchers' hypothesis is given importance, leading to skewed results.
Selection bias: If testers are not careful while selecting participants for the testing process, they may end up with a biased sample. For example, if the testers only select participants who are enthusiastic about the innovation idea or who have used similar products in the past, they may not get a representative sample of the target audience. This can lead to inaccurate conclusions about the innovation's potential success or failure.
Expectation bias: Testers may unintentionally influence participants' responses through their words, behavior, or facial expressions. This can happen when testers have a clear expectation of what participants' responses should be, and they unknowingly communicate this expectation to participants. Participants may then feel pressure to provide the expected response, leading to biased results.
Examples of Bias in Innovation Testing
Anchoring bias: Testers may unintentionally influence participants' responses by providing information that can anchor their responses. For example, if testers provide participants with a high price point for the innovation, participants may adjust their expectations and feedback accordingly, leading to biased results.
Availability bias: Testers may rely on easily available information when making decisions about the innovation, rather than considering all available evidence. This can lead to biased testing if the testers only focus on the most readily available data and ignore other relevant factors that could impact the innovation's success.
SmartTable
A new type of dining table that integrates technology and design to enhance the dining experience.
SWOT analysis for the innovative product called "SmartTable," which is a new type of dining table that integrates technology and design to enhance the dining experience
Strengths
Unique product: SmartTable is a one-of-a-kind product that offers a new and exciting way to dine.
Innovative technology: The integration of technology, such as interactive menus and digital ordering, sets SmartTable apart from traditional dining tables.
Convenience: The interactive features of SmartTable make it easier for customers to order food, customize their meals, and pay for their orders, all without leaving their seats.
Customizability: The SmartTable can be customized to fit various design preferences, making it a versatile and attractive addition to any restaurant or home.
SWOT analysis for the innovative product called "SmartTable," which is a new type of dining table that integrates technology and design to enhance the dining experience
Strengths
Unique product: SmartTable is a one-of-a-kind product that offers a new and exciting way to dine.
Innovative technology: The integration of technology, such as interactive menus and digital ordering, sets SmartTable apart from traditional dining tables.
Convenience: The interactive features of SmartTable make it easier for customers to order food, customize their meals, and pay for their orders, all without leaving their seats.
Customizability: The SmartTable can be customized to fit various design preferences, making it a versatile and attractive addition to any restaurant or home.
SWOT analysis for the innovative product called "SmartTable," which is a new type of dining table that integrates technology and design to enhance the dining experience
Weaknesses
Limited market: The high cost of production and technology involved may limit the target market for SmartTable to upscale restaurants and luxury homes.
Maintenance: The technological components of SmartTable may require regular maintenance and repairs, which could be costly and time-consuming.
Competition: There may be other similar products in the market or in development, which could impact the demand for SmartTable.
SWOT analysis for the innovative product called "SmartTable," which is a new type of dining table that integrates technology and design to enhance the dining experience
Opportunities
Market expansion: SmartTable has the potential to expand its market beyond upscale restaurants and luxury homes by creating more affordable and versatile models.
Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with other technology companies to further enhance SmartTable's features could increase its appeal to customers.
SWOT analysis for the innovative product called "SmartTable," which is a new type of dining table that integrates technology and design to enhance the dining experience
Threats
Economic factors: Economic downturns or fluctuations in the market could affect the demand for SmartTable.
Legal issues: Potential patent infringement or other legal issues could negatively impact the development and distribution of SmartTable.
Rapid technological advancements: The fast-paced nature of technology innovation means that SmartTable could quickly become outdated or face stiff competition from newer and more advanced products.
Proof-of-concept exercise for the SmartTable product
Objective: To test the functionality and user experience of the SmartTable product prototype.
Materials
Procedure
Expected Outcomes
Proof-of-concept exercise for the SmartTable product
Objective: To test the functionality and user experience of the SmartTable product prototype.
Materials:
SmartTable prototype
Mock food menu with various items and customization options
Mock ordering and payment system
User testing survey
Proof-of-concept exercise for the SmartTable product
Objective: To test the functionality and user experience of the SmartTable product prototype.
Procedure:
Set up the SmartTable prototype in a test environment, such as a restaurant or showroom.
Create a mock food menu with various items and customization options, such as toppings, sauces, and side dishes.
Integrate a mock ordering and payment system, such as a tablet or kiosk, that allows customers to select their food choices and pay for their orders.
Invite a group of test users to use the SmartTable prototype and complete a series of tasks, such as ordering food, customizing their meals, and paying for their orders.
Monitor and record the users' interactions with the SmartTable prototype, including any issues or difficulties encountered.
Collect feedback from the users through a user testing survey, which should include questions about their overall experience with the SmartTable prototype, as well as specific features such as the interactive menus and digital ordering system.
Analyze the feedback and data collected to identify areas of improvement and potential modifications to the SmartTable prototype.
Proof-of-concept exercise for the SmartTable product
Objective: To test the functionality and user experience of the SmartTable product prototype.
Materials
SmartTable prototype
Mock food menu with various items and customization options
Mock ordering and payment system
User testing survey
Proof-of-concept exercise for the SmartTable product
Procedure
Set up the SmartTable prototype in a test environment, such as a restaurant or showroom.
Create a mock food menu with various items and customization options, such as toppings, sauces, and side dishes.
Integrate a mock ordering and payment system, such as a tablet or kiosk, that allows customers to select their food choices and pay for their orders.
Invite a group of test users to use the SmartTable prototype and complete a series of tasks, such as ordering food, customizing their meals, and paying for their orders.
Monitor and record the users' interactions with the SmartTable prototype, including any issues or difficulties encountered.
Collect feedback from the users through a user testing survey, which should include questions about their overall experience with the SmartTable prototype, as well as specific features such as the interactive menus and digital ordering system.
Analyze the feedback and data collected to identify areas of improvement and potential modifications to the SmartTable prototype.
Proof-of-concept exercise for the SmartTable product
Objective: To test the functionality and user experience of the SmartTable product prototype.
Expected outcomes
The SmartTable prototype should function as intended, allowing users to easily order and customize their meals.
The interactive menus and digital ordering system should be user-friendly and intuitive, requiring minimal instruction or assistance.
The user testing survey should provide valuable feedback on the SmartTable prototype's strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential modifications or improvements.
Risk Assessment
10 point risk assessment for the SmartTable product
Supply chain risk - The production of SmartTable may be reliant on a single supplier, which could be disrupted by supply chain issues, such as natural disasters or political unrest.
Competition risk - There may be other similar products in the market or in development, which could impact the demand for SmartTable.
Regulatory risk - There may be regulatory requirements or standards that SmartTable must meet in order to be sold or distributed.
Reputation risk - Negative publicity or reviews about the product or the company could harm the reputation of SmartTable.
Ethical risk - The use of technology in the dining experience may raise ethical concerns around privacy, surveillance, and the role of technology in daily life.
10 point risk assessment for the SmartTable product
Financial risk - The cost of production and technology involved may be high, and the product may not generate sufficient revenue to cover the costs.
Legal risk - There may be potential patent infringement or other legal issues that could negatively impact the development and distribution of SmartTable.
Market risk - The target market for SmartTable may be limited to upscale restaurants and luxury homes, and it may not gain widespread adoption.
Technical risk - The technological components of SmartTable may require regular maintenance and repairs, which could be costly and time-consuming.
Security risk - The SmartTable may be vulnerable to security breaches, such as data theft or hacking.
Identify 5 disaster/failure scenarios for SmartTable and how to avoid them.
5 disaster/failure scenarios for SmartTable and how to avoid them
Lack of demand: If there is not enough demand for the SmartTable product, the company may need to reassess the target market and adjust their marketing strategy. They could also consider partnering with influencers or running promotions to increase awareness and generate interest.
High production costs: If the cost of producing the SmartTable is too high, the company may need to find ways to reduce costs, such as finding more cost-effective suppliers or simplifying the product's features. They could also explore alternative pricing models, such as leasing the product instead of selling it outright.
Technical issues: If there are technical issues with the SmartTable, such as bugs or malfunctions, the company may need to improve the product's design and functionality. They could also provide regular software updates and offer customer support to address any issues that arise.
Competition: If there is significant competition in the market, the company may need to differentiate their product and find unique selling points. They could also consider partnerships or collaborations to broaden their reach and appeal to different customer segments.
Negative reviews or publicity: If the SmartTable receives negative reviews or publicity, the company may need to address the underlying issues and make improvements to the product. They could also engage with customers and respond to feedback in a transparent and constructive manner to build trust and loyalty.
Beta Testing
Testing an Innovation to Destruction
Impact testing: The SmartTable could be subjected to impacts of varying intensities to assess its ability to withstand impacts from everyday use, such as dropping objects on it or accidentally bumping into it.
Load testing: The SmartTable could be subjected to a range of loads to assess its load-bearing capacity and deformation characteristics. For example, it could be loaded with weights or subjected to a range of forces to simulate the weight of various objects.
Environmental testing: The SmartTable could be exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or other environmental conditions to assess its ability to withstand such conditions. This could include exposure to high temperatures or extreme humidity levels.
Fatigue testing: The SmartTable could be subjected to repeated loading and unloading cycles to assess its durability and resistance to fatigue failure. This could simulate the stress of everyday use, such as placing objects on the table and removing them repeatedly.
Chemical testing: The SmartTable could be exposed to chemicals or corrosive agents to assess its resistance to chemical degradation. For example, it could be exposed to cleaning chemicals or other substances commonly found in household or office environments.
5 tips for what to do if an innovation idea fails at the proof-of-concept stage
Analyze the Reasons for Failure: The first step is to understand the reasons behind the failure of your innovation idea. Analyzing the reasons for failure will help you identify any weaknesses or gaps in your approach. This knowledge will be useful in your next attempt to refine your idea.
Reassess Your Idea: Reassessing your innovation idea is crucial after a proof-of-concept failure. You may need to modify your idea or make some changes to it based on what you learned from the failure. Be open to feedback and ideas from other people as well.
Refine Your Strategy: It's essential to refine your strategy to make your innovation idea more viable. This may involve refining your product development plan, identifying new customer segments, or exploring alternative routes to market. Be creative and innovative in your approach.
Seek External Support: Seeking external support, whether it's from a mentor or a professional organization, can be helpful in overcoming the challenges of proof-of-concept failure. Professionals can help you refine your idea and connect you with potential partners or investors.
5 tips for what to do if an innovation idea fails at the proof-of-concept stage
Try Again: Remember that failure is not the end of the road. Use the knowledge and experience you gained from your previous attempt to refine your innovation idea and try again. Persistence is key, and often, success is just a few attempts away.
Do not invest in quality control, leading to defects and customer dissatisfaction.
Refuse to adapt to changing market conditions or technological advancements.
Fail to maintain good relationships with suppliers, leading to supply chain disruptions.
Do not listen to feedback from investors or other stakeholders, leading to poor financial performance and lack of support for future innovation ideas.
Sabotaging an innovation idea
Do not conduct market research to assess the potential demand for the product.
Do not invest in advertising or marketing to create awareness about the product.
Ignore customer feedback and do not make improvements based on their suggestions.
Underinvest in research and development, making it difficult to create a high-quality product.
Do not hire experienced or talented employees to work on the product.
Lack transparency and accountability, hiding important information from stakeholders.
Do not invest in securing intellectual property rights, making it easy for competitors to copy the product.
Overprice the product so that it is not competitive with similar products in the market.
Do not offer a warranty or guarantee to customers.
Do not establish partnerships or collaborations with other businesses or organizations to help market the product.
Ignore regulatory requirements, making it difficult to obtain necessary certifications or approvals
How to ensure your innovation passess all tests
Conduct thorough market research to assess the potential demand for the product and identify target customer segments.
Invest in advertising and marketing to create awareness about the product and build a strong brand.
Listen to customer feedback and make improvements based on their suggestions to enhance the product's appeal.
Invest in research and development to create a high-quality product that meets customer needs and expectations.
Hire experienced and talented employees to work on the product and bring fresh perspectives and ideas.
Maintain transparency and accountability, keeping stakeholders informed of important information and progress.
Secure intellectual property rights to protect the product from being copied or stolen by competitors.
How to ensure your innovation passess all tests
Price the product competitively to offer value to customers and gain a foothold in the market.
Offer a warranty or guarantee to customers to build trust and confidence in the product.
Establish partnerships or collaborations with other businesses or organizations to expand reach and create synergies.
Comply with regulatory requirements to ensure that the product meets safety and quality standards and can be legally sold.
Invest in quality control to ensure that the product meets or exceeds customer expectations and reduces the risk of returns or complaints.
Stay up-to-date on changing market conditions and technological advancements to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
Maintain good relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and efficient supply chain.
Listen to feedback from investors or other stakeholders to make informed decisions and gain support for future innovation ideas.
Alpha Testing - the steps
Define the objectives: Determine the goals and objectives of the alpha testing phase. What is it that you want to achieve from the testing phase? Set clear and measurable objectives that will guide the entire testing process.
Select alpha testers, usually internal to the organisation, or external experts: Select a group of testers who will participate in the alpha testing phase. This group should be made up of individuals with expert and unique technical and market perspectives on the product
Communicate with testers: Communicate with the testers and explain the goals and objectives of the alpha testing phase. Provide them with clear instructions on how to use the innovation, and answer any questions they may have.
Provide access to the innovation: Give the testers access to the innovation and any necessary tools or resources required to use it.
Monitor usage: Monitor how the testers use the innovation. Gather data on how they interact with it, and identify any issues or challenges they encounter.
Alpha Testing - the steps
Collect feedback: Collect feedback from the testers. Ask them to provide detailed feedback on their experience using the innovation. This feedback should include both positive and negative feedback.
Analyze feedback: Analyze the feedback you receive from the testers. Look for patterns and trends in the feedback to identify areas of improvement or potential issues.
Refine the innovation: Use the feedback to refine the innovation. Make any necessary changes or improvements to the innovation to address the issues identified in the feedback.
Re-test: Test the revised innovation with the same group of testers. Gather feedback and analyze it to see if the changes you made have improved the innovation.
Repeat: Continue refining and re-testing the innovation until it meets the objectives you defined in step one.
Beta Testing - the steps
Identify your beta test group: Select a group of potential users (often real potential customers) who represent your target market and who can provide feedback on your innovation.
Recruit beta testers: Reach out to your selected group of potential users and invite them to participate in your beta test program.
Prepare a beta test plan: Define your objectives, metrics, and processes for the beta test program. Plan for how you will collect feedback from beta testers, how often you will check in with them, and what metrics you will use to evaluate the test's success.
Provide clear instructions: Give beta testers clear instructions on how to use your innovation, what to test, and how to report their findings. Provide a manual or guide that explains the features and functionality of your innovation.
Establish a feedback mechanism: Establish a way for beta testers to communicate their feedback to you. You can set up a feedback form, survey, or email address for testers to submit their feedback.
Beta Testing - the steps
Test the product or service: Provide access to the product or service to the beta testers for testing.
Collect feedback: Gather feedback from the beta testers through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews.
Analyze feedback: Analyze the feedback received from beta testers and identify patterns or trends. Categorize feedback as positive or negative.
Address issues: Address any critical issues and bugs identified by beta testers. Prioritize them and make sure to fix them before launching the product or service.
Iterate: Use the feedback to improve the product or service. Iterate on the design, features, or functionality based on the feedback received from beta testers. Rinse and repeat the process until the product or service is ready for launch.
Write a list of 10 rules for successfully testing innovation idea in the style of the ten commandments from the old testament…
1. Thou shalt clearly define the problem thy innovation idea aims to solve.
2. Thou shalt set specific goals and objectives for thy innovation idea testing.
3. Thou shalt identify thy target audience and their needs and wants.
4. Thou shalt create a prototype or minimum viable product to test thy innovation idea.
5. Thou shalt gather feedback from thy target audience and other stakeholders.
6. Thou shalt be open to criticism and use it to improve thy innovation idea.
7. Thou shalt conduct market research to assess the potential demand for thy innovation idea.
8. Thou shalt test thy innovation idea in a real-world setting, if possible.
9. Thou shalt track and analyze key metrics to evaluate the success of thy innovation idea testing.
10. Thou shalt be willing to pivot or iterate thy innovation idea based on the results of thy testing.
Write me a story that is based closely on Goldilocks and the Three Bears and use it metaphorically to tell how how to successfully test an innovation idea
Once upon a time, in a forest far away, there lived three bears – Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear. They had a beautiful house in the woods, filled with all the comforts they needed. One day, while they were out for a walk, a curious little girl named Goldilocks stumbled upon their home. She found the door ajar and went inside to explore.
Goldilocks saw three bowls of porridge on the table – one big, one medium-sized, and one small. She tasted each one and found the big bowl to be too hot, the medium-sized bowl to be too cold, and the small bowl to be just right. This experience taught her the importance of testing and finding the perfect fit.
Next, she saw three chairs – one big, one medium-sized, and one small. She sat on the big chair and found it to be too hard, the medium-sized chair to be too soft, and the small chair to be just right. This taught her the importance of balancing comfort and functionality.
Lastly, she found three beds – one big, one medium-sized, and one small. She lay on the big bed and found it to be too firm, the medium-sized bed to be too soft, and the small bed to be just right. This taught her the importance of finding the perfect fit for her needs.
The bears returned home to find Goldilocks fast asleep on Baby Bear's bed. They woke her up, and she ran away, realizing that she had trespassed and caused trouble. The story of Goldilocks teaches us the importance of testing and finding the perfect fit, and the consequences of not respecting the property of others.
Just like Goldilocks, we must test and find the perfect fit for our ideas. We must balance functionality and comfort, and respect the intellectual property of others. Only then can we create products and services that are just right for the market and the people we serve.