How to Innovate in a New Domain
Dr. Hemang Shah ??
LinkedIn Top Voice | I share insights on innovation and strategy | Incubate startups in India | Here to learn
We are often given the task of coming up with innovations in a totally new area. The toughest part of this challenge is identifying the key problems. Finding solutions is the easier part of the journey.
Why is it difficult to spot problems?
Because we don't understand the new domain. We haven't experienced it. Diving into innovation exercises with a superficial understanding is futile. It’s like running a marathon 1 week after your first-ever 5k. You'll likely break something and give up on running - or that domain - altogether.
How do we approach new domains?
By a thoughtful immersion. Start with a broad overview. Learn from folks who have some familiarity. Watch YouTube videos where people describe the new world. Conversations work better if you can connect with some expert.
What's next?
Summarise your understanding. Create mind maps. Use flowcharts. Once ready, talk to your team. Get their views. Their might be questions or concerns or excitement.
Use this new information to augment your system map.
Again the fundamental question - How do we innovate?
By this point, you should have noted some interesting areas to dive further. Discuss those with your team. Props can help here. You can use colorful goggles to innovate for the VR wold. Movie clips or pics that show some aspects are helpful.
Once your team "gets" the domain, you'll start noticing WHAT IF and HOW ABOUT questions.
These are the key problems to address!
Solve them and you, my friend, have innovated in a new domain.
That's it for today.
Happy ideating!
Hemang.
Professor and Dean at Rajalakshmi Engineering College
3 周Very good? Many thinks go unnoticed Most of them are difficult? to explain as there is no supporting theory or? previous literature.? This is true of simple solutions. Good you have come forward to help? I can join you in your endeavour. With best wishes?
Intellectual Property Professional
3 周The broader problem would be known since each innovation effort is targeted to solve some real life problem. A good example of a "new domain" is in the header of this newsletter - an "incandescent light bulb". There were series of small steps by several inventors that eventually resulted in the first commercial product. These steps include the a. Conversion of electricity to light b. suitable material for filament c. making of thin filament wire d. need for vacuum ...etc. Even in absence of Videos and Internet, it is amazing how that generation came up with several inventions in completely new domains. https://www.bulbs.com/learning/history.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoq8V7pMnUql-cBZChi224514kwk7e_2Ur3l0IN9dDk8lC9tBxfP
I can help with Talent Acquisition across India and Africa, backed by over 17 years of Recruitment Experience | Top Rated Expert on Topmate and Top Mentor on Unstop | Podcast Host "Expert Talk by Vipul The Wonderful"
3 周Very informative
Chief Executive Officer / Business Head
3 周Very helpful
Seed Raise: Tokenizing premium spring water & helping 1.4 billion people in need of clean drinking water ?? Quenching thirst, boosting profits ?? 30M+ Impressions/Year | RWA | DeFi | DAO
3 周Key problems are just stepping stones to finding creative solutions, keep pushing forward!