User-driven innovation? Challenges of user involvement in future technology analysis

Abstract

The shift from the traditional push towards more user-driven innovation strategies in the information and communications technologies domain has urged companies to place the user at the core of their innovation process in a more systematic way. In this paper we reflect on the implications of this new innovation context for traditional product development processes. Given these implications, two challenges are discussed that are crucial to true user-driven innovation, i.e. the challenge of continuously involving the user and the need for tools to facilitate the integration of knowledge into the increasingly interdisciplinary development process. Drawing on our own experiences in the interdisciplinary Research On Mobile Applications and Services (ROMAS) project, which focused on future mobile applications in a living lab setting, we illustrate how the two challenges can be tackled.

User-driven innovation: scale development and validation

“…Feedback on how a product/service meets user's psychological needs is a crucial part of searching for the feedback dimension in U.D.I. Testing in technology-driven innovation is predominantly focused on usability tests (De Moor et al, 2010). Searching for feedback in U.D.I.…”

“…Feedback assists companies in obtaining an informed picture before and after the product/service launch (De Moor et al, 2010). User feedback allows companies to make judgements about the innovation process.…”

“…Despite the recognition of the need for empirical investigation (De Moor et al, 2010), U.D.I. discussions are predominantly focused on the different strategies (Buchanan, Abbott, Bentley, Lanceley, & Meyer, 2005;Hjalager & Nordin, 2011;Sandmeier, 2009), case studies (Lettl, Herstatt, & Gemuenden, 2006), consequences and challenges of integrating users into the innovation process (da Mota Pedrosa, 2012;Sandmeier, Morrison, & Gassmann, 2010).…”

Living Labs as boundary-spanners between Triple Helix actors

“…Concerning the type of boundary-spanning activities, we take the stance that these include all processes needed to achieve collaborative learning (co-creation) and innovation, ranging from connecting relevant actors (particularly users) and creation of a common 'language', trust and common interest and community, to collaborative learning and absorption of the outcomes in development and design (Williams, 2002;de Moor et al, 2010).…”

“…Further, selecting the right users also means selecting persons who are able to contribute actively to the learning and design process on the basis of sufficient skills, for instance, in terms of dealing with information tools and communicating their personal needs, experiences and expectations. At the same time, it is also critical that there is a sufficient integration and absorption of the knowledge gained from users in the multidisciplinary development and design processes (De Moor et al, 2010).…”