Innovation
Innovation can simply mean the introduction of a new thing or idea that is better than the old one or a modification of the old one. This ability to improve old things or to come up with new things that stand out is referred to as creativity. In creativity, there is the addition of values to the new product or idea introduced by the creator. The judgment of creativity depends on the society and the domain impacted by the idea. An innovation may be termed creative in one society but considered not creative in another society (Wind, 2005). The design has connotations of coming up with a plan for creating something. It is commonly used with architects and engineers. All these three terms, innovation, creativity, and design, are related in that we use both innovation and creativity to come up with a design.
Planning strategy
Strategy refers to a plan designed to achieve a specific purpose or goal. In a business situation, the term can be used to refer to an approach used to arrive at a goal (Christensen, 2002). The term process refers to the actions or operations performed in steps to achieve a general objective. The stipulated steps in a strategy can also be referred to as the process for achieving a goal. Process in business implies activities conducted for creating the product to be sold to customers. A product is an item that satisfies what the customer wants. Product and service have a similarity except for the fact that a service is non-material. Strategy, process, product, and services are related in the sense that they all are essential in achieving the ultimate goal of bringing satisfaction to the customer.
Mental model
A mental model or mindset is a picture created in the minds of people about the way things work around us. It involves relating different parts in a system while taking into consideration the environment surrounding it and one’s intuitive perception. People normally reason from these models or mindsets they have created. The forces compelling a specific mindset are education, influence from others, personal experiences, and presents or rewards (Wind, 2005). The basis on which we form a perception of the world is molded by education. The reasoning of a person who has attained a certain level or a specific field of education has a direct link with the background of education. The influence of others is also a crucial one as people create a view about issues from what they hear or see others doing. When someone is given a reward, they tend to get easily influenced by the giver.
Stages of the innovation process
The four phases for the innovation process are important for making steps for staying in business and having a cutting edge over competitors. The first phase deals with intuition a business need to look back at its past experiences and activities to be able to decide appropriately in the future. The second phase involves innovation where problems are solved systematically using information gathered from the first phase to make decisions. The third phase involves imagination or design where the ability to craft opportunities from future projections. The last and final phase involves inspiration where all the parties involved in the new project have to be motivated towards achieving the overall goal. It also involves altering the mindset of the beneficiaries of the project of the product towards liking it.
Reference List
Christensen, C. (2002). Innovator’s Dillema. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Wind, Y. J. (2005). The power of impossible thinking: transform the business of your life and the life of your business. Saddle River: Pearson Education.