Innovation in a Down Economy
A great panel interview with guests:
Monty Montague – Co-founder and Design Principal, BOLT Group
Paul Wetenhall – President, Ben Craig Center Business Incubator, UNC Charlotte
Barbara Spradling – Director, Innovation Institute, McColl Center for Visual Art
The concept of using innovation in business has gained popularity in this difficult economy. Companies are working to “gain a competitive edge†by being more creative and innovative about the products and services they provide.
A few comments on the balance of risk, not too much on accepting the possibility or consequences of failure. They talk a little about the willingness of people/organization to accept change or be comfortable with new innovation/innovative thought – it’s more then just difficult. Good overview of some different strategies at approaching innovation or introducing it to newcomers.
It’s unfortunate to see businesses now “finding” out that design practice is something that can be introduced throughout the process and not just “lipstick on a pig” or to be ascertained only at the tail-end of the process. With the change in climate and the economic pressure it is a good time as any for design to be brought into the forefront to help change what has been longstanding ideology and practice. It’s not a silver bullet for all the problems but it can be a good way to get people and organizations out of their comfort zone and be more forward thinking about their product or industry as well as their customers.
I had a great chuckle when there was this awkward momentary pause as the panel was asked whether it was easier to “teach” an artist/designer about business or a business person about design… coming from both I knew exactly what was mulling in their head.
[ Via Charlotte Blogs ]
This post is tagged: business, collaboration, design theory, innovation, interview, user experience