Short answer
Adopt a systematic approach to understanding and selecting innovation tools based on their function within the living lab ecosystem.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Technology Innovation Management Review (2017)
- Method
- Literature Review and Framework Development
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Living labs can be effectively integrated into organizational innovation activities by categorizing and understanding the diverse tools they employ. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Technology Innovation Management Review. Using Literature review and framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a systematic approach to understanding and selecting innovation tools based on their function within the living lab ecosystem.
Living Labs as Innovation Ecosystems: A Framework for Tool Integration
Living labs can be effectively integrated into organizational innovation activities by categorizing and understanding the diverse tools they employ.
Technology Innovation Management Review · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Living labs utilize a wide array of tools that can be categorized based on their role in the innovation process (e.g., ideation, prototyping, testing, deployment).
- 02A structured understanding of these tools is crucial for organizations seeking to collaborate effectively with living labs.
- 03The framework helps in identifying the most suitable tools for specific innovation challenges within a living lab setting.
Application
Design takeaway
Adopt a systematic approach to understanding and selecting innovation tools based on their function within the living lab ecosystem.
How to apply
When engaging with or establishing a living lab, map out the innovation tools being used and categorize them according to their purpose (e.g., user engagement, data collection, prototyping, feedback).
Project actions
- 01When researching innovation methods, consider how different tools contribute to the overall process.
- 02If your design project involves user testing or co-creation, think about the specific tools that would be most effective.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a structured approach to a complex area.
- +Synthesizes existing knowledge on living labs and innovation tools.
Limitations
The specific tools and their effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the nature and goals of the living lab.
Reliability & validity
The reliability and validity of the categorization framework depend on the comprehensiveness of the literature review and the clarity of the defined categories. Further empirical testing within diverse living lab settings would be needed to establish robust validity.
Think critically
How might the proposed categorization of innovation tools need to evolve as new digital technologies and collaborative platforms emerge within living labs?
Design Principles
"Categorize innovation tools by their role in the innovation process to optimize their application within collaborative environments."
Understanding the types of tools used within living labs allows organizations to better leverage these environments for co-creation and user-driven innovation. This structured approach can lead to more efficient and effective product development cycles.
What This Means for Your Design
This research helps organize the different tools that are used in 'living labs' (places where people test new ideas) so that companies can use them better for creating new products.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the selection and application of innovation tools in your design project, particularly if it involves user engagement or co-creation within a simulated or real-world environment.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The categorization of innovation tools within living labs, as proposed by Leminen and Westerlund (2017), provides a valuable framework for understanding how diverse resources can be systematically applied to organizational innovation activities. This approach highlights the importance of matching specific tools to distinct phases of the innovation process, thereby enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in co-creation and user-driven development.
Source
Technology Innovation Management Review
Categorization of Innovation Tools in Living Labs
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about living labs as innovation ecosystems: a framework for tool integration?
- Adopt a systematic approach to understanding and selecting innovation tools based on their function within the living lab ecosystem. Evidence: Technology Innovation Management Review (2017).
- Why does "Living Labs as Innovation Ecosystems: A Framework for Tool Integration" matter for design?
- Understanding the types of tools used within living labs allows organizations to better leverage these environments for co-creation and user-driven innovation. This structured approach can lead to more efficient and effective product development cycles.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Adopt a systematic approach to understanding and selecting innovation tools based on their function within the living lab ecosystem.
- What were the main findings?
- Living labs utilize a wide array of tools that can be categorized based on their role in the innovation process (e.g., ideation, prototyping, testing, deployment).. A structured understanding of these tools is crucial for organizations seeking to collaborate effectively with living labs.. The framework helps in identifying the most suitable tools for specific innovation challenges within a living lab setting.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review and Framework Development.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Technology Innovation Management Review.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When engaging with or establishing a living lab, map out the innovation tools being used and categorize them according to their purpose (e.g., user engagement, data collection, prototyping, feedback).
- What are the limitations?
- The categorization may be context-dependent and might require adaptation for specific types of living labs or industries. The study relies on existing literature, which may not capture all emergent tools or practices.