August 26, 2008 - by Craig Mounsey
The lure of Innovation
Innovation is a buzz word at the moment. Defining innovation is a difficult task. Everyone knows what it means but can't agree on what it is. Innovation...just happens. The following passage is a quote from this years AIDA yearbook in which I discuss the moving sands of our profession.
"Industrial design as a profession is changing. The role of design in identifying and exploiting market niches is becoming more technology dependent. Emerging technologies and communication systems are challenging our professional boundaries."
We need to contextualise this around innovation. Managing innovation in these circumstances is critical to a successful outcome for the product. Generally innovation has a cost attached to it and no small amount of risk. What is the sequested role a designer can play? Balance is the key, being selective about the levels of innovation used and keeping a good focus on the commercial aspects of the project. A particular innovation might be a good idea, but is there any real benefit to the user and does it compromise the profitability of the overall project investment.
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