Unit 5: Innovation and Design

5.1 Innovation

Innovation in design involves creating new solutions that add value through improved function, aesthetics, or user experience.

Incremental Innovation

Small, progressive improvements to existing products or services.

  • Lower risk
  • Shorter development time
  • Uses existing technologies
  • Example: Annual smartphone updates

Radical Innovation

Revolutionary changes that create new markets or transform existing ones.

  • Higher risk
  • Longer development time
  • New technologies
  • Example: First smartphone introduction

5.2 Invention vs Innovation

Invention

Creation of something new that has never existed before.

  • Original creation
  • May not have commercial value
  • Technical focus
  • Example: First telephone

Innovation

Practical application of ideas to create value.

  • Market application
  • Commercial focus
  • User-centered
  • Example: Smartphone development

5.3 Design Protection

Patents

Legal protection for new inventions.

  • 20-year protection
  • Must be novel
  • Must be non-obvious
  • Expensive to obtain

Registered Designs

Protects appearance of products.

  • Visual features
  • Shape and configuration
  • Pattern and ornamentation
  • 25-year protection

Trademarks

Protects brand identity elements.

  • Logos
  • Brand names
  • Slogans
  • Renewable protection

5.4 Innovation and Markets

Market Pull

Innovation driven by market demand.

  • Consumer needs
  • Market research
  • Lower risk
  • Existing market

Technology Push

Innovation driven by new technology.

  • New capabilities
  • Research driven
  • Higher risk
  • New market creation