Category Archives: Innovation

Exploring the Benefits of Automation

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How to Use Technology to Streamline Innovation

Exploring the Benefits of Automation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Automation is one of the leading protagonists in the fourth industrial revolution. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, companies are seeking ways to streamline their processes, increase productivity, and reduce costs while maintaining a high level of quality and service. At the heart of these opportunities is the incredible potential of automation technology.

Automation is the use of systems, such as computers or robots, to perform tasks that would usually require human intervention. The benefits of automation are numerous and range from increased efficiency and consistency to the reduction of errors. With automation in place, businesses can focus on strategic, innovative projects that can yield significant results.

Let’s delve deeper into the potential of automation and how it can be leveraged to streamline innovation and benefit businesses. We will illustrate this through the lens of two key case studies.

Case Study 1: Amazon

Our first example is one that is universally known: Amazon. The eCommerce giant has proven itself at the forefront of automation in multiple arenas, focusing especially on its warehouse operations. Using robots in its warehouses has helped Amazon achieve incredible efficiency in handling, storing, and moving goods.

Amazon employs over 200,000 robotic units in conjunction with human employees. These robots perform tasks like moving goods around in warehouses. This has reduced the walking time of human workers, increasing efficiency and reducing errors due to fatigue. More importantly, automation allows Amazon to process and ship orders swiftly, with robotics ensuring that the right package gets to the right place at the right time, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction.

The benefits Amazon reaped from automation led to the inception of Amazon Robotics where their technological advancements like AI-powered drones for package delivery or their anticipatory shipping model are creating groundbreaking changes in the distribution landscape.

Case Study 2: General Motors

Our second case is a little closer to home, being a part of our everyday commute. General Motors, one of the largest automakers, leverages automation to streamline their operations. GM utilizes over 30,000 robots for jobs such as welding, painting, and assembly. Robots have enabled the car manufacturer to maintain high consistency levels in the manufacturing process, ensuring that every part works perfectly before being integrated into a car.

Further, by taking over the labor-intensive tasks, robots have drastically reduced the chances of human error and injury in the assembly line. As a result, GM has managed to boost their factory productivity. Thanks to these automated systems, their production line can churn out a staggering one vehicle every minute around the clock.

Such automation has also allowed General Motors to innovate and adapt to the changing market. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, GM swiftly repurposed their production line to produce much-needed ventilators.

Conclusion

Innovation and implementation of automation have certainly paved the way for success in both Amazon and General Motors. While automation can necessitate a significant initial investment, the long-term benefits concerning efficiency, cost reduction, and innovation potential can be transformative.

Technology continues to evolve, and with it, the potential for automation increases. From streamlining existing processes to developing groundbreaking innovations, automation provides businesses with opportunities to stay competitive and responsive in a dynamic, ever-changing market. The challenge is for businesses to harness this potential, exploring automation in ways that are practical, beneficial, and ultimately essential to maintaining a competitive edge.

Image credit: Pixabay

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How to Create an Effective Innovation Hub

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How to Create an Effective Innovation Hub

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Innovation has become a critical factor for success in today’s fast-paced and competitive business world. To foster and nurture innovation, many companies and organizations are establishing innovation hubs. These hubs serve as central locations for collaboration, idea generation, and experimentation. However, creating an effective innovation hub requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will explore the key elements of a successful innovation hub by examining two case study examples.

Case Study 1: Google X

Google X, the experimental research division of Google, has gained a reputation for its groundbreaking projects and inventions. The company’s innovation hub, known as the “moonshot factory,” is a prime example of an effective innovation ecosystem. Here are three key aspects that contribute to its success:

1. Diverse and interdisciplinary teams: Google X brings together experts from various fields such as engineering, design, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This diversity of skills and perspectives enables cross-pollination of ideas, fostering innovation through shared knowledge and collaboration.

2. Encouraging experimentation and risk-taking: Google X promotes a culture that embraces failure as a necessary step towards success. Teams are encouraged to explore ambitious ideas and take calculated risks, even if they may not yield immediate results. This mindset allows for disruptive innovation and encourages team members to think beyond their usual limits.

3. Strong leadership and support: The innovation hub is backed by strong leadership that is committed to nurturing a culture of innovation. Leaders provide support and resources to teams, ensuring they have the necessary tools to think creatively and bring their ideas to fruition. This support is vital in overcoming obstacles and maintaining momentum.

Case Study 2: The Epicenter Innovation Hub

Located in Stockholm, Sweden, Epicenter is a co-working space that serves as an innovation hub for more than 350 companies. It has quickly become a hotbed for technology and creativity. Here are two essential elements that contribute to Epicenter’s effectiveness as an innovation hub:

1. Community and networking opportunities: Epicenter places a significant emphasis on fostering a strong community of professionals from various industries. It actively encourages interaction, collaboration, and networking among its members. By bringing together diverse skill sets and backgrounds, Epicenter creates an environment where ideas can flow and evolve.

2. Access to cutting-edge technology and resources: Epicenter provides its members with access to state-of-the-art technology, prototyping labs, and collaborative spaces. This infrastructure enables companies and individuals to test and develop their innovative ideas without facing barriers related to expensive equipment or limited resources. Accessibility to such resources is crucial in facilitating innovation and turning ideas into reality.

Conclusion

Creating an effective innovation hub requires careful attention to key elements such as diverse and interdisciplinary teams, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking, strong leadership and support, building a strong community, and providing access to cutting-edge technology and resources. By studying successful case examples like Google X and Epicenter, organizations can learn valuable insights and apply them to their own innovation hubs, driving their businesses forward in an era of rapid change and disruption.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Re-imagining Drive Thru Restaurants – Innovation or Not

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Food Locker Pickup Pizza Hut

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed our world with the subtlety of a sledgehammer and now billions of people around the world are under ‘stay at home’ orders. In many communities restaurants and bars are closed or only allowed to deliver meals or make them available as ‘to-go’ or takeaway orders.

But, even with the plethora of food delivery services in the United States and elsewhere, people still prefer drive-thru to food delivery when they choose not to dine in. But what are you to do when your restaurant isn’t configured with a drive-thru window?

One answer would be to re-imagine the drive thru and takeaway by learning from the automats of the 1930’s and 1940’s (the last one in New York City closed in 1991) and Amazon Lockers.

Food Locker Automat 1936

You can create lockers for warm food and lockers for cold food. Before the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic began spreading across the globe some companies were experimenting with food lockers combined with mobile ordering at ballparks:

Food Lockers with Mobile Ordering at Ballparks

And, Pizza Hut was experimenting in Hollywood with Pizza Lockers to eliminate interactions with employees (picture top of article).

One could imagine that as Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns stretch from weeks from months, and the virus lingers for the next 12-24 months, and fears of individuals linger potentially even longer, restaurants may want to re-imagine how they configure and leverage their physical space.

Is it worth redeploying an external wall of the restaurant to optimize to go or takeaway orders?

The idea isn’t that difficult for an individual restaurant to adopt as there are companies manufacturing food lockers already, and they can be combined with PIN’s to unlock them that can be delivered by email or mobile platforms and reset after each use.

During a virus outbreak (or on an ongoing basis) sanitizing wipes could be provided or if the lockers are on the street, then one employee could be staffed for delivering food from the kitchen to the lockers and then sanitizing the lockers on the outside of the restaurant.

Have you seen this type of solution growing in your part of the world?

Innovation or not?


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Open Source Respirator and Low Cost Ventilator Efforts to Fight Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Open Source Respirator Project

Mechanical Ventilator

NOTE: Nothing on this page is intended as medical advice. My only goal is to make information available so that people can get involved with co-innovation efforts and share resources that can be leveraged in crisis situations.

Calling all doctors, nurses, designers, engineers and designers…

Join one of the amazing Open Source Ventilator Projects to contribute your passion, creativity, time and expertise to help develop low-cost ventilators to fight the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here are some ways of getting involved and some inspiration and some cheaper ventilator options:

  1. 13,000+ member Open Source Coronavirus Supplies group on Slack
  2. OPEN CALL closes 24 March at 9:00 GMT: Rapidly Manufactured Ventilated Systems
  3. March 19-20 University College London (UCL) Design & Refine Sprint Low Cost Ventilators — Register Now
  4. Ultimate Medical Hackathon
  5. Open Source COVID19 Medical Supplies group on Facebook
  6. DIY Pandemic Ventilator (built during Avian Flu crisis and shared on Instructables)
  7. Story on OneBreath winning PopSci Innovation Award in 2010
  8. OneBreath company web site ($4,000 low cost respirator vs. $35,000 traditional solution)
  9. $500 pandemic ventilator from Canada
  10. Open Respirator Project on Github

Here is a video showing a DIY ventilator solution:

And here is a video from vacuum manufacturer Gtech in the United Kingdom (UK) showing a prototype they are working on to be entirely powered by the hospital oxygen supply in as simple a way as possible so they can hopefully meet the UK government’s call to make 30,000 ventilators in two weeks:

Just added another video highlighting an improvised design experiment the University of Minnesota is working on with some design partners:

The design team has made all of their designs shown in the University of Minnesota video – open source and available by clicking this REDDIT link

Here is an open source ventilator project out of Germany – The CORESPONSE – COvid19 RESPirator (Open Source):

Cost is about 75 Euros per unit and all of the details of this 3D printed open source project are available by clicking here.

Here is an article (click here) and a video detailing how to turn a snorkeling mask into a non-invasive ventilator:

AgVa Healthcare has produced a low cost ventilator starting at under $700 (according to the video) that leverages an app on the user’s smartphone to control its functions. Another great example of Indian ingenuity that was originally submitted as a comment on this article:

Below is a video from the Lemelson Foundation from 2015 that shares the story of how Matt Callaghan came to start OneBreath Ventilators to create lower cost ventilators for developing countries and the rest of the world after H1N1 Swine Flu never became a problem in the USA thanks to President Obama’s administration proactive steps to protect our country. (Learn more about the design process by reading this Stanford Byers Center for BioDesign article)

OneBreath Ventilator

UPDATE: Just found this video showing how to use one ventilator to save FOUR people – video from the United States’ Center for Disease Control (CDC) – all the details health professionals might need:

CAUTION, this from a doctor in Italy about risks of co-ventilating to be kept in mind as you group people to co-ventilate in a crisis situation:

“This is unfortunately not as good of an idea as it seems. In trauma and shootings, it’s one thing because lung compliance is unlikely to change quickly. However, in ARDS (and COVID19), we expect to have dramatic changes in lung compliance. When one patients lung compliance changes, there is a significant risk of underventilating the patient with lowest compliance and overventilating patients with highest compliance – both potentially deadly. I worry that instead of saving one person, you create a situation where you increase the odds of losing both (or all 4) patients“

BUT, according to Alexander Clarke you can solve this problem with flow restrictors…
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/25808-3d-printed-circuit-splitter-and-flow-restriction-d

Another article detailing previous research and considerations – https://www.saasceo.com/ventilator-capacity/

Vesper Prisma Health

VESper™ is a unique ventilator expansion device that allows a single ventilator to support up to four patients under emergency use authorization by the FDA during times of acute equipment shortages such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals can apply to receive the free source code and printing specifications for the device, produced using 3D printing technology, the device is developed with material already in use for medical devices and produced at minimal cost:

  • designed to work with ISO standard respiratory connections;
  • allows for appropriate filtering of bacteria and viruses in the ventilator tubing;
  • does not impact the care of other patients connected to the same machine.

SPECIAL BONUS for anyone facing a shortage of protective face shields.

See this article From Design to Mass 3D printing of Medical Shields in Three Days, below is a video highlighting the end result solution from this article:

OR looking for information on DIY hand sanitizer, masks, and protective clothing:

  1. DIY Masks (including comparison of materials)
  2. World Health Organization (WHO) Information on Protective Clothing
  3. World Health Organization (WHO) Information on DIY Hand Sanitizer
  4. WIRED – How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

Here is a video showing how to make your own reusable elastomeric respirator (click here for instrutions poster):

And here is a video discussing whether people should wear face masks and how people can use DIY face masks without impacting availability of N95 and surgical masks to healthcare workers:

Here is a video showing how to make face masks to help healthcare workers:

AND here is a link to a PDF of the pattern to make the masks – https://courierpressblogs.com/pdf/howtomakeafacemask.pdf

Additional DIY mask videos can be found here – https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/5-free-diy-face-mask-tutorials-using-fabric

Here is how to make a DIY Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) smock out of a garbage bag thanks to the people at Hefty:

DIY PPE

https://www.hefty.com/handy-hints/articles/diy-poncho-idea-how-to-make-a-trash-bag-raincoat

Doctors and Nurses in Spain and other countries are already having to do this.

And, here is a picture of an ingenious idea of using a headband and buttons to save the ears of healthcare workers from chafing of wearing a mask 13-14 hours a day. Thanks Natasha Smith!

Coronavirus mask and headband solution

And, here is an interesting article about a surgical and N95 mask design that uses salt to help kill viruses like Coronavirus (COVID-19) on masks to improve their effectiveness in protecting the wearer against getting sick

Coronavirus Salt Masks

If you know of other efforts working on creating low cost, quick to produce ventilators, please post as a comment!


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Innovation Through Experimentation

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Strategies for Rapid Iteration

Innovation Through Experimentation

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving business landscape, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the competition. However, traditional approaches to innovation may not be enough to keep up with rapidly changing customer needs and preferences. To foster innovation, organizations must embrace a culture of experimentation and adopt strategies for rapid iteration. In this article, we will explore the importance of experimentation in driving innovation and discuss two case study examples to illustrate successful implementation.

Case Study 1: Google’s “20% Time”

One of the most famous examples of fostering innovation through experimentation is Google’s “20% time.” This initiative allows employees to spend 20% of their workweek, or one day, working on projects that interest them outside of their core responsibilities. This flexible structure encourages employees to explore new ideas and experiment with innovative solutions.

One notable outcome of Google’s 20% time is the creation of Gmail. Originally developed as an experiment by a Google engineer, the project emerged from the employee’s personal interest in improving email communication. Through rapid iteration and continuous experimentation, Gmail was refined and eventually launched as one of Google’s most successful products. This case study demonstrates how giving employees the freedom to experiment can lead to significant innovation and long-term success.

Case Study 2: Amazon’s A/B Testing

Amazon, the e-commerce giant, is renowned for its customer-centric approach and its relentless pursuit of innovation. One of the strategies Amazon uses to continuously iterate and improve its offerings is A/B testing. By testing different variations of a webpage, product listing, or feature, Amazon gathers quantitative data to make informed decisions about which version performs better. This data-driven approach allows them to quickly adapt and optimize their offerings to meet customer expectations.

An example of Amazon’s A/B testing is its product recommendation engine. By experimenting with different algorithms and design variations, Amazon continuously refines its recommendation engine to provide highly personalized and relevant product suggestions. This iterative process has played a significant role in enhancing the customer experience, boosting sales, and establishing Amazon as an industry leader.

Key Strategies for Rapid Iteration

1. Embrace Failure as Learning: Encourage a culture where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and improve. Failure should not be punished but celebrated as a stepping stone towards success. By fostering an environment that values experimentation and risk-taking, organizations can encourage employees to think creatively and push boundaries.

2. Establish Rapid Feedback Loops: Implement processes that allow for quick feedback and iteration. Regularly gather feedback from customers, employees, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. This feedback loop enables organizations to make iterative changes based on real-world data and inputs, leading to more relevant and effective solutions.

3. Set Clear Goals and Metrics: Clearly define innovation goals and establish measurable metrics to track progress. By setting concrete objectives, organizations can evaluate the success of their experiments and measure the impact on key performance indicators. This data-driven approach helps focus efforts on what truly matters and ensures that innovation initiatives align with overall business objectives.

Conclusion

Innovation through experimentation is crucial for organizations aiming to thrive in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. By adopting strategies for rapid iteration, businesses can foster a culture that encourages and celebrates innovation. The case study examples of Google’s “20% time” and Amazon’s A/B testing demonstrate how organizations can drive significant innovation by allowing employees to experiment and by leveraging quantitative data to inform decision-making. By embracing failure, establishing feedback loops, and setting clear goals and metrics, organizations can unleash their creative potential, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and stay ahead of the competition.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Braden Kelley’s Experiment Canvas™ can be a super useful FREE tool for your innovation or human-centered design pursuits.

“The Experiment Canvas™ is designed to help people instrument for learning fast in iterative new product development (NPD) or service development activities. The canvas will help you create new innovation possibilities in a more visual and collaborative way for greater alignment, accountability, and more successful outcomes.”

Image credit: misterinnovation.com

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What It Takes to be a Successful Digital Disruptor

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What It Takes to be a Successful Digital Disruptor

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, innovation is the key to success. With technology continually reshaping industries, companies must embrace digital disruption to remain competitive. Digital disruptors are those forward-thinking individuals and organizations that actively challenge traditional business models, transforming industries and creating new opportunities. In this article, we explore two case studies to understand what it takes to be a successful digital disruptor.

Case Study 1: Uber – Revolutionizing the Transportation Industry

Uber, founded in 2009, has disrupted the traditional taxi industry by leveraging technology and creating a peer-to-peer ridesharing platform. By simply connecting drivers with passengers through a user-friendly mobile app, Uber has revolutionized the way people commute.

One of the key factors behind Uber’s success is the integration of technology into their business model. They capitalized on the widespread adoption of smartphones and built an app that provides ease of access and convenience to users. Additionally, Uber’s use of GPS technology enabled them to optimize ride routes, resulting in quicker and more efficient trips, which became a significant competitive advantage.

Moreover, Uber’s disruption of the industry was driven by its ability to identify pain points. By recognizing the challenges faced by commuters, such as long queues, unreliable service, and lack of affordability, Uber was able to provide a seamless and cost-effective alternative. They turned a fragmented and highly regulated industry into a user-centric service that offered reliable transportation at the tap of a button.

Case Study 2: Netflix – Transforming the Entertainment Industry

Netflix, founded in 1997 as a DVD rental-by-mail service, disrupted the traditional video rental industry and eventually transformed the entertainment landscape. Recognizing the potential of streaming technology, Netflix transitioned from mailing DVDs to offering an online streaming platform, which has now become a household name.

The success of Netflix can be attributed to its innovative approach to content delivery. By capitalizing on technological advancements and increasing internet speeds, they facilitated on-demand access to a vast library of movies and TV shows. This not only eliminated the need for physical stores but also provided subscribers with the freedom to watch what they want, when they want.

Furthermore, Netflix’s disruptive nature can be seen in its investment in original content. By leveraging data analytics and user preferences, they have been able to create highly engaging and binge-worthy series like “Stranger Things” and “House of Cards.” This strategic move has allowed them to not only compete with traditional media giants but also establish themselves as a major player in the entertainment industry.

What it Takes to be a Successful Digital Disruptor?

Both Uber and Netflix exemplify the characteristics required to be a successful digital disruptor. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Technological Integration: Embrace technology and leverage it to create innovative products and solutions. Digital disruptors constantly seek ways to utilize technology to improve user experience, increase efficiency, and disrupt existing markets.

2. Customer Focus: Identify pain points and seek ways to address them. Successful disruptors prioritize the user experience, understanding the needs and desires of their target audience to create seamless and user-centric solutions.

3. Agility and Adaptability: Disruption requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and market conditions. Successful digital disruptors remain agile, constantly innovating and evolving their business strategies and models.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data analytics to understand user behavior, preferences, and market trends. Data-driven insights enable disruptors to make informed decisions and drive innovation in their respective industries.

The digital disruption landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. By embracing technology, focusing on customer needs, remaining agile, and leveraging data, upcoming disruptors have the potential to reshape industries and create remarkable opportunities.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Driving Cross-Functional Innovation

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The Power of Collaboration

Driving Cross-Functional Innovation

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Collaboration is a key driver of innovation, enabling diverse teams to leverage their expertise, perspectives, and skills to solve complex problems. In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, cross-functional collaboration has become increasingly essential for businesses to stay competitive and drive meaningful change. This article explores the benefits of collaboration in fostering cross-functional innovation through two compelling case studies.

Case Study 1 – Pixar’s Creative Collaboration

Pixar, the renowned animation studio, is celebrated for its consistent delivery of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films. One of the critical factors contributing to their success is their commitment to cross-functional collaboration. From directors to animators, writers, and technical experts, Pixar brings together diverse talents from different disciplines to create their films.

By fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration, Pixar teams challenge conventions and push boundaries. They encourage cross-pollination of ideas, creating an iterative process where different perspectives enrich the creative process. This cross-functional approach has led to numerous breakthroughs in storytelling, animation techniques, and technological advancements, enabling Pixar to create immersive and emotionally impactful films loved by audiences worldwide.

Case Study 2 – GE’s Global Research Collaboration

General Electric (GE), a multinational conglomerate, places a strong emphasis on collaboration as a catalyst for innovation. GE’s Global Research Center, one of the world’s most extensive and diverse industrial research organizations, brings together scientists, engineers, and experts from various disciplines.

By fostering cross-functional collaboration, GE harnesses the collective knowledge and expertise of its researchers. This collaborative environment has yielded groundbreaking innovations across industries, including advancements in renewable energy sources, healthcare technologies, aerospace, and more. GE’s collaboration efforts not only drive innovation but also contribute to addressing global challenges and improving the world we live in.

Benefits of Cross-Functional Collaboration:

1. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Cross-functional teams bring a range of perspectives and expertise to the table, enabling them to approach problems from different angles. This collaborative approach fosters innovative thinking and generates well-rounded solutions that address diverse needs.

2. Increased Creativity and Innovation: Collaboration sparks creativity by enabling the collision of ideas, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, and challenging traditional paradigms. The synergy between team members from different backgrounds stimulates new perspectives and innovative solutions.

3. Improved Communication and Knowledge Sharing: Cross-functional collaboration facilitates open communication, breaking down silos and enabling the sharing of expertise and insights. This exchange of knowledge drives continuous learning, enabling teams to stay current with industry trends and leverage emerging opportunities.

4. Enhanced Decision Making: Collaboration encourages collective decision-making processes, leveraging diverse viewpoints and expertise. This approach leads to more informed and well-rounded decisions, reducing the risk of biases and improving overall organizational performance.

Conclusion

Cross-functional collaboration is a powerful tool for driving innovation and achieving organizational success. As demonstrated by the case studies of Pixar and GE, collaboration fosters creativity, problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and effective decision-making. By embracing and promoting cross-functional collaboration, businesses can harness the collective intelligence of their teams and unlock new avenues for growth, ensuring their continued relevance and competitiveness in an ever-evolving world.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Just Walk Out Groceries — by Amazon

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Just Walk Out Groceries -- by Amazon

Amazon Go is going big – grocery store big. Today it was revealed that Amazon has opened up a new Amazon Go that is four times (4x) bigger than previous Amazon Go stores. What’s new?

Well, this new Amazon Go store has produce, packaged meats, an expanded frozen food section, sundries like paper towels, and more!

This is a big step forward for Amazon and will be stretching its technology to the breaking point as Amazon looks not only to explore what’s possible, but to prove its technology to the point where its collection of technology could become another revenue pillar that it can build by licensing its technology to other convenience store and grocery store chains.

The Amazon Go approach, should it expand, also puts even more of the 3 million grocery store jobs in the United States at risk. This 3 million jobs number is already declining because of self checkout and Walmart’s robotic inventory systems, among other pressures.

Is the Amazon Go approach a good thing?

Do we really all want to live in a world where packages show up at the door or food can be obtained in a grocery store without talking to anyone?

Americans are becoming increasingly lonely and isolated. I could include dozens of supporting links to back this up, but here is a good one:

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/lonely-you-re-not-alone-america-s-young-people-are-ncna945446

The grocery store has become one of the last remaining places where someone will actually speak to you, but self checkout and technologies like Amazon Go look to stamp out this human interaction too!

But even though there are still humans in the grocery store, the level of human interaction seems to be fading there too as younger, non-unionized workers replace older unionized workers in grocery stores. Has this been your experience?

What’s next the barbershop and the hairdresser?

And can our society survive any more isolation?


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Join Me Online at the Hacking HR Innovation Conference – March 3, 2020

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Join Me Online at the Hacking HR Innovation Conference - Building a People-Centric HR

Join me from 10:15-11:00 AM EST on March 3, 2020 to learn about “Building a People-Centric HR” from a panel of talented and knowledgeable professionals including myself.

The Hacking HR Innovation Conference is a virtual event that is FREE to the public and takes place over multiple days.

Day 1 (March 3) will be dedicated to “HUMANS”. This day’s content includes: diversity/equity/inclusion/belonging, employee experience, innovation, agility, design thinking, culture, leadership, among other topics.

List of Speakers — https://hrinnovationconference.hackinghr.io/speakers/
See the Agenda — https://hrinnovationconference.hackinghr.io/agenda/

Click here to Register for FREE

I’ll be on a panel that will dive into a variety of people-centric Human Resources (HR) topics including:

  • Identifying Moments that Matter in an employee’s HR experience
  • Building a people-centered on-boarding process that guides people into the organization for keeps
  • People-centric Performance Management
  • Humane responses to an employee personal crisis and/ or termination

Click here to Register for FREE


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How to Identify Trends and Patterns for Breakthrough Innovation

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Connecting the Dots

How to Identify Trends and Patterns for Breakthrough Innovation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Breakthrough innovation, one of the most sought-after but largely elusive concepts in business, happens when an idea has the power to revolutionize an industry or disrupt the status quo. In a sea of ideas, the only way to guarantee a truly groundbreaking product is to identify the trends and patterns that will allow you to develop a concept that is both unique and ahead of the competition. By connecting the right dots, you will sometimes stumble upon something revolutionary that no one else has thought of.

So how do you start to identify the patterns and trends that will lead to a breakthrough innovation? There are several methods, but here are a few of the most effective:

1. Analyzing the competition

A great starting point for coming up with a breakthrough innovation is to analyze the competition. By studying what others in the same industry or space have done in the past, you can identify any gaps in the market and figure out how your product or service can fill them. This doesn’t mean stealing ideas or copying what they’ve done; instead, it’s about realizing what hasn’t been done yet and coming up with a concept to address that.

Case study: When Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen first proposed the idea of using personal computers in the home, he wasn’t the first person to think of that concept. In fact, home computing had been a concept since the late 1970s—and while many tried to make it a reality, no one was able to successfully launch a commercial product. By closely examining the competition, analyzing their mistakes, and applying his own knowledge of computer hardware and software, Allen was able to identify the patterns that would allow him to revolutionize the industry with the introduction of the first home computer.

2. Focusing on customer needs

When trying to create a breakthrough innovation, it’s important to focus on the needs and wants of the customer. This requires understanding their problems and coming up with solutions that will truly meet their needs. To do this, companies must engage in active customer research and listen to their feedback. By figuring out what the customers are looking for and thinking outside the box, companies can come up with solutions that are not only valuable, but also unique.

Case study: Airbnb is one such example of a company that saw a need in the market and sought to fill it. After surveying customers, it became clear that people were looking for a more affordable and convenient way to travel. To meet this need, the company launched its online platform that allowed users to rent out their properties—a concept that, at the time, was completely unheard of. Through active customer research and new thinking, the company was able to connect the dots and create a revolutionary concept that changed the industry.

3. Scanning the environment

Sometimes the most unexpected patterns and trends can be identified by simply looking around at the environment. Paying attention to political, economic, and social changes can often reveal an untapped opportunity that no one has thought of. Companies must stay up to date with the latest news and be alert for signs of change in their field. By looking at the bigger picture and constantly challenging the status quo, companies can come up with innovations no one has ever seen before.

Case study: In 2009, Uber was founded with the goal of getting rid of car ownership and replacing it with shared rides. While this concept was unheard of at the time, the founders analyzed changes in the environment that allowed them to make it a reality. They saw that customers were increasingly looking for convenience, along with the rise of smartphones and GPS technology that would allow customers to track rides and pay for them digitally. With these changes in the environment, they saw an opportunity to pursue their vision and connect the dots from ideas no one had thought possible.

Conclusion

Breakthrough innovation requires more than just the right idea and some luck—it requires the ability to connect the dots and identify patterns that will lead to a truly revolutionary product or service. By analyzing the competition, focusing on customer needs, and scanning the environment, companies can identify trends that will allow them to develop something new and groundbreaking. With perseverance, companies can unlock the resources and potential that will revolutionize an industry and create something truly unique.

Image credit: Pixabay

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