Topic 5: Innovation and design

Design Technology IBDP

Eureka moment

A sudden image of a potential solution formed in the mind, usually after a period of thinking about a problem.

Adaptation

Using a solution to a problem from one field to inspire a new idea for a design problem in another field.

Analogy

Using an idea from one context to stimulate problem-solving ideas in another context.

Architectural innovation

Changing the configuration of components to produce a new design while keeping the technology the same.

Chance (innovation strategies)

An unexpected discovery that leads to a new idea.

Competition

Any company or product that fulfills similar functions for a similar market.

Configurational innovation

A change made in both technology and organization.

Copyright

A legal right granting the creator of an original work exclusive ownership for its use and distribution.

Design protection

A simple and cost-effective way to protect an innovative shape, appearance, or ornamentation.

Design specification

A list of requirements and constraints that a yet-to-be-designed product must fulfill.

Diffusion (Markets)

The wide acceptance and sale of a product.

Disruptive innovation

A product or technology that challenges existing companies to either ignore or embrace technical change.

Drivers for invention

Factors motivating invention, including personal creativity, scientific curiosity, and desire for profit.

Early adopters

The second fastest category to adopt an innovation.

Early majority

The third fastest group to adopt an innovation, often influenced by early adopters' feedback.

Entrepreneur

An influential individual who brings an invention to market by financing its development and diffusion.

First to market

The first product of its type to be released in the market.

Functional obsolescence

The condition when a product can no longer function as originally intended due to wear, breakdown, or lack of available parts.

Innovation

The process of bringing an invention to the marketplace and making it successful.

Innovators

The first individuals to adopt an innovation, often willing to take risks.

Intellectual Property (IP)

A legal term for intangible property, such as inventions and designs, protected by law.

Invention

The process of discovering a principle resulting in a technical advance or novel product.

Laggards

The last group to adopt an innovation, preferring traditions and avoiding risks.

Late majority

The fourth fastest group to adopt an innovation, typically after it has been established.

Lone inventor

An individual committed to inventing a novel product, often becoming isolated due to their ideas.

Market analysis

An appraisal of the economic viability of a proposed design based on market conditions.

Market pull (innovation strategies)

The emergence of a new idea due to demand from the market.

Modular innovation

A change where the basic configuration stays the same but key components are altered.

Multi-disciplinary approach

Combining various areas of expertise to fulfill different roles in product development.

Patent

A government-granted right allowing someone to make or sell a new invention for a defined period.

Patent pending

An application for a patent that has been submitted but not yet processed.

Planned obsolescence

Consciously making a product outdated to ensure continuous markets or incorporate new technologies.

Process innovation

Improvements in the organization and methods of manufacture leading to cost reductions or consumer benefits.

Product champion

An influential individual within an organization promoting a specific idea or invention.

Product generations

Releasing new product groups with advanced features compared to earlier versions.

Product life cycle

A tool for mapping the four stages of a product's commercial life: Launch, Growth, Maturity, and Decline.

Product versioning

Producing different models of the same product at varying prices.

Radical innovation

A high-risk strategy introducing a significantly different idea or product.

Research methods

Thorough analysis techniques, including user research and performance tests, to establish market needs.

Rogers’ characteristics of innovation and consumers

Five factors affecting consumer adoption: Relative advantage, Compatibility, Complexity, Observability, Trial-ability.

Service Mark (SM)

A trademark that identifies a service instead of a product.

Shelved technology

Technology that is set aside for various reasons, sometimes rediscovered later.

Social roots of consumerism

Consumerism focused on protecting customers and influenced by several social factors.

Style (fashion) obsolescence

Products becoming less desirable due to changing fashions or trends.

Suppression (Markets)

Deliberately slowing down the market adoption of a new idea or product.

Sustaining innovation

Improvements or new products that meet consumer needs and continue to benefit manufacturers.

Target audience

A specific group within the overall market that a product or marketing message is directed towards.

Target market

Identifying market sectors and segments for potential product sales.

Technological obsolescence

When new technology makes existing technology outmoded and no longer desirable.

Technology push (innovation strategies)

Advances in technology driven by scientific research leading to new ideas.

Technology transfer (innovation strategies)

Applying technological advances from one context to develop different products or systems.

Trademark ® or TM

A legally registered symbol, word, or phrase representing a company or product.

User need

Essential requirements a product must fulfill regarding the user.