Remember when Apple was the new shiny thing that everyone wanted?- when each launch was amazing, unexpected, innovative? Apple products were something only the cool kids had. Well, now everyone has an iDevice- and Apple is emerging as the embarrassing uncle looking repetitive and outdated, with their profits dropping for the first time in a decade. I’m …
Barely a week goes by without someone saying this to me: Dear Whoever-Will-Listen, What is this Twitter fad? I have no interest in finding out what people had for breakfast or when they walked their dog. I find it ridiculous when a friend mentions they “tweet”, and annoying when a television programme suggests people “follow” …
6 weeks ago I (reluctantly*) finished my role in the Department for Work and Pensions’ Innovation team. I’ve now had some time to reflect on the role and the place of innovation functions in large organisations, with the following observations, insights, and tips for success: You’re not an inventor In the context of introducing change …
The process to get on the Civil Service Fast Stream is long and drawn out, but there are some things applicants can do to increase their chance of success. The following tips may help this year’s hopefuls get through the process.* 1. You don’t have to be committed to start applying to the Fast Stream, …
We’ve been experimenting with different user testing methods and tools at Spigit so I was interested to see Dr Karl Blanks speak on the topic in “Are your users losing the will to live?” Dr Blanks recommended a number of tools for user testing software in the session- some of which I’ve found to be excellent, some which … Continue reading
A short time ago I saw a talk by Michael Geer (formerly of Badoo and WAYN) on “How to get millions of users.” Although his talk was short of real-world examples and I left feeling anyone could have been speaking, he did bring up a few points that are worth sharing: Popular myths Myth: A good product … Continue reading
I’ve previously talked about the Innovation Superstar. One of the Superstar’s most prevailing and destructive foes is the Innovation Drain. If you’re involved in innovation it’s likely you will have come across the Drain: an individual who is involved (with some responsibility) in the innovation programme but who will go out of their way to … Continue reading
In January 2012 Spigit– the company that I work for- decided to build and launch a free product which would provide a testing ground for companies thinking about introducing a full innovation platform. The platform needed enough functionality to prove the value of company-wide ideation, would be designed and built from scratch, and- oh yes- it … Continue reading
Just in time for the new year (almost)! All the blog posts are still here but it’s out with the old and in with an all-new blog design. Let me know what you think in the comments. Goodbye TwentyTen: Continue reading
You see it everywhere: customers demand features, sales say they can’t sell unless something is added, developers introduce random changes without anyone else knowing they are coming. Giving feedback and suggestions is essential for a company’s product to grow and develop, but having knowledge of the wider strategy and putting proper thought behind each change … Continue reading
A year ago I listed links to some interesting articles I had read. Others found them useful, so here are a few more: Design The golden age of design in startups – “Well, folks, your time has come. Not only do you have a seat at the table…you’ve got a starring role. There is no … Continue reading
