• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Product Mastery Now

Helping product managers move to product mastery

  • Home
  • Podcast
  • Training
    • For Groups
    • For Individuals
    • Certification for Individuals
    • PDMA & AIPMM
  • Login
  • Schedule a Discovery Call

By Chad McAllister

How to Find your Innovation Inspiration: Product Development and Innovation Lesson from the News

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Reddit

Product Development, Management, and Innovation Training: Mother NecessityIn Plato’s early treatise, entitled Republic, he concluded that “necessity is the mother of invention,” but I like to think the more accurate translation is that necessity is the mother of all innovation. Many people use these two terms interchangeably, but there are finite differences between the two.

Necessity is the mother of innovation

Transformational product development and innovation is often found when necessity abounds. Consider for a moment some of the recent innovations created in Africa. Each of the following devices has evolved an already useful item into something that exceeds expectations, simplifying daily life while at the same time possessing commercial viability.

Mubser – navigational aid tool

People throughout the world have benefited from the assistance of global positioning systems, employing the technology to direct their movements from one location to another. Unlike GPS, Mubser is a near-field navigational tool designed for use by the visually-impaired. A belt with a Bluetooth-connected headset gives an audible guide for the locations of such obstacles as walls, chairs, tables, stairs, etc. It relies on a 3D depth camera to acquire its data. Mubser is the brainchild of a 22 year-old Egyptian student and classmates from a computer engineering course.  It is certain to improve the quality of life for anyone suffering from a visual disability.

Cardiopad – remote ECG tablet

Cardiologists have grown to rely on the information gained from an electrocardiogram (ECG), but such a diagnostic tool has only been available at well established medical facilities. Arthur Zang, a 26 year-old citizen of Cameroon, decided that the ECG’s lack of availability in remote areas was simply unacceptable. As a result, he designed the Cardiopad which wirelessly transfers test results to physicians who can interpret the data.

Malaria pf/PAN – test kit

Malaria has been one of the most deadly illnesses ever known. Prevalent in both the ancient world and today’s, the best hope for those with the illness is immediate and accurate medical treatment. Particularly deadly on the continent of Africa, the Malaria pf/PAN Test Kit improves the previous Malaria test, detecting all strains and indicating within 30 minutes whether the treatment will be effective. With the information provided by this test kit, patients are given more hope than ever for a successful recovery.

How to find your innovation inspiration

Plato was obviously correct in his assumption – need does indeed spark the fires of creativity. Each of the innovators behind these products witnessed a desperate need and then employed their own creativity to fill the demand. Product innovation and the stages of development that place those products into the world’s hands can be a daunting process, but it is an invigorating one with the right understanding. To determine where innovation is needed – change that will add value – you only need to identify problems that have not been solved.  Keep a notebook with you to record your own experiences and jot notes from observing and talking with people. Read broadly to relate previously unrelated information. Also, network with other creative people to help you refine and enhance your ideas.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Reddit

Filed Under: Concepts, Uncategorized

Footer

HOW WE HELP PRODUCT MANAGERS

We help product managers become product masters - influential drivers of product strategy - so they can consistently create products customers love without getting overwhelmed putting out fires. Learn about it in the Product Mastery Roadmap.

FOUNDER

Chad McAllister - Product Management and Innovation TrainingThe primary responsibilities for an organization are product management and innovation. They deliver value to customers. They're also exciting responsibilities for those properly equipped. That is my job - equipping product managers and innovators.
Read More...

SEARCH

MORE

Contact

About

Product Mastery Roadmap

IDEA Framework

Quotes

Innovation Stories

Innovation Roundup

 

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclaimer

Copyright © 2008–2023 Product Mastery Now and The Everyday Innovator™ · All rights reserved

Return to top of page

Product Managers and Innovators!

Product Master Roadmap for Product Managers

Get the Product Mastery Roadmap

And become a Product Master:

    • - Develop the right products more often - as much as 5X
    • - Get the influence you want
    • - Drive product strategy, creating products customers love
x