Innovation Framework
Innovation isn't a single moment of brilliance—it's a structured process that unfolds across distinct but interconnected stages, leveraging diverse Innovation Styles.
Inspiration
Changing Your Perspective
Innovation begins with a shift in mindset. Inspiration comes from rethinking challenges, leveraging constraints, and exploring new ways to view problems. This phase lays the foundation for creativity by challenging assumptions and reframing perspectives.
Innovation Styles in Action
Ideator
Generates bold, creative possibilities when constraints inspire outside-the-box thinking
Skeptic
Challenges existing assumptions and uncovers flaws in current thinking
Collaborator
Facilitates discussions, ensuring all team members contribute fresh perspectives
Developer
Synthesizes insights into actionable directions for exploration
Implementer
Identifies practical ways to apply new perspectives immediately
Key Tools & Techniques
First Principles Thinking
Deconstruct problems to their fundamentals to eliminate preconceived notions.
Reframing Techniques
Change perspectives by examining problems from multiple angles.
Constraints Analysis
Turn limitations into opportunities by mapping what's possible within specific boundaries.
Fresh Eyes Analysis
Bring in team members or external viewpoints for unbiased perspectives.
Identification
Discovering Opportunities
This stage is about finding areas ripe for innovation by uncovering unmet needs, latent opportunities, and potential pain points. It ensures that innovation efforts are targeted where they'll have the most impact.
Innovation Styles in Action
Ideator
Envisions potential applications for opportunities identified during research
Skeptic
Ensures identified opportunities are significant and based on valid insights
Collaborator
Brings diverse perspectives together to refine and validate findings
Developer
Prioritizes opportunities based on feasibility and alignment with organizational goals
Implementer
Maps initial steps to act on identified opportunities
Key Tools & Techniques
Ethnographic Research
Observe users in their natural environments to uncover needs.
Problem Trees
Break down complex problems to their root causes to find opportunities for impact.
Opportunity Mapping
Visualize potential areas for innovation and evaluate their relevance.
Adjacent Possible Mapping
Identify solutions one step beyond existing capabilities.
Conceptualization
Generating Ideas
This is the creative core of the framework, where ideas are brainstormed, refined, and prioritized. It focuses on combining divergent and convergent thinking to maximize creativity and practicality.
Innovation Styles in Action
Ideator
Generates a wide range of creative ideas to solve identified challenges
Skeptic
Identifies potential risks and ensures ideas are realistic
Collaborator
Facilitates brainstorming sessions and ensures all voices are heard
Developer
Refines raw ideas into polished concepts
Implementer
Evaluates ideas for practicality and readiness for prototyping
Key Tools & Techniques
SCAMPER
Stimulate creative thinking by prompting specific actions (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse).
Brainwriting
Encourage quieter team members to contribute by writing ideas instead of verbal brainstorming.
Impact vs. Effort Matrix
Evaluate and prioritize ideas based on their feasibility and potential impact.
Feasibility Scoring
Score ideas on practicality, cost, and alignment with goals.
Demonstration
Proving Possibilities
This stage focuses on testing and validating ideas to ensure they are feasible, desirable, and viable. It bridges the gap between ideation and implementation.
Innovation Styles in Action
Ideator
Offers creative alternatives during testing to refine the solution
Skeptic
Challenges assumptions in prototypes to identify weaknesses
Collaborator
Engages stakeholders to gather diverse feedback
Developer
Builds prototypes and iterates based on feedback
Implementer
Oversees testing and ensures actionable learnings are captured
Key Tools & Techniques
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Develop a simplified version of the solution for initial testing.
Pre-Mortem Assessment
Anticipate failure points and address them proactively.
Application
Becoming Reality
Here, validated ideas are scaled into actionable, impactful solutions. This phase ensures seamless execution and alignment with long-term goals.
Innovation Styles in Action
Ideator
Suggests enhancements to ensure the solution remains visionary
Skeptic
Monitors implementation to mitigate risks and ensure accountability
Collaborator
Aligns teams and stakeholders during execution
Developer
Fine-tunes the solution to optimize performance and scalability
Implementer
Manages logistics, timelines, and delivery to ensure successful execution
Key Tools & Techniques
Agile Methodology
Foster adaptability and iterative improvement during implementation.
Validated Learning Cycles
Use build-measure-learn loops to refine execution.
Stakeholder Alignment Sessions
Keep everyone on the same page throughout execution.
Revelation
Changing the Universe
This final stage focuses on sustaining innovation and looking ahead to future opportunities. It's about creating systems that foster continuous improvement and anticipating long-term needs.
Innovation Styles in Action
Ideator
Envisions bold, future possibilities for the organization
Skeptic
Ensures systems are robust and sustainable
Collaborator
Brings together insights from past efforts to inform future directions
Developer
Builds scalable, enduring systems that enable continuous innovation
Implementer
Embeds processes to ensure ideas are sustained and monitored
Key Tools & Techniques
Scenario Planning
Develop multiple potential futures to guide decision-making.
Trend Analysis
Identify emerging trends and adapt strategies accordingly.
Systems Mapping
Visualize and optimize the innovation ecosystem for long-term growth.
Post-Implementation Reviews
Evaluate outcomes to identify lessons and areas for improvement.
Ready to innovate?
Innovation starts with understanding your unique approach. Are you a visionary Ideator, a sharp Skeptic, a unifying Collaborator, a precise Developer, or a results-driven Implementer? Or a powerful combination?
Discover your Innovation Style and learn how to turn ideas into action with the Innovation Framework.
Free • Takes about 15 minutes • Get instant results