Innovation requires a multidimensional approach

Clayton Christensen, a pioneer of disruptive innovation theory, viewed unexpected anomalies as key sources of knowledge. While his model of disruption explained many business changes, it did not always accurately predict the success of products such as the iPhone, Uber or Tesla. In contrast, emphasizing the importance of broadening perspectives and analyzing details is an important factor in understanding the innovations of companies like Apple, Uber and Tesla.

A detailed analysis of the business model and competition was crucial to understanding which aspects really disrupted the market.

1. iPhone: Christensen initially misjudged the iPhone, saying it would not be groundbreaking compared to other phones. He later realized that the iPhone brought computer technology into the world of phones, making it truly groundbreaking. The iPhone was not only a new product, but also created a whole ecosystem of applications, which led to its huge success.
2. Uber: Uber's innovation was not simple. Although it introduced new ways to order rides, not all of its elements were groundbreaking. A detailed analysis of the business model and competition was crucial to understanding which aspects really disrupted the market.
3. Tesla: Tesla, although it started with luxury cars, broke the traditional market model. Although it did not fit the typical disruption scenario described by Christensen, its impact on the automotive industry is undeniable. The electrification of cars introduced architectural changes that challenged traditional manufacturers

Understanding innovation requires a multidimensional approach, analyzing ecosystems and using different models to capture the full scope of change.          

(Source - S.D. Anthony, MITSloan)