Blog homeMy last post about innovation in travel has kicked off a bit of a debate.
There is the ongoing dilemma between defining innovation as having the idea, doing something with the idea, or subsequently being successful using that idea as a base for a business (or product at least).
Here is an example: PocketComms
(Yes I know its not travel ecommerce - but it is travel - so bear with me!)
The principle is you can use these cards to communicate with people as you travel around the world. In 1995 I had a similar idea (having just spent a few months travelling in the Middle East) - and I even worked on some preliminary designs. However I did nothing with the idea. If innovation is just the idea, then I innovated - but there was zero success - zero follow through. Not therefore deserving of the innovation badge.
In conversations with the designer behind PocketComms I heard that he first had his idea in 1985 - 10 years before me. Was the act of innovation that original idea - or did innovation only take place at the point when something tangible was created (recently)? (Which reminds me, I really would like to work in a field that produces tangible outcomes - this digital stuff is great - but not easy to show friends and family!)
….I really should get back to reviewing travel websites and I know that is what you prefer to read!
Disclosure - I have a free PocketComms on my desk. Very cool it is too.
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P&G, generally regarded as a very innovative large consumer branded company has an approach to innovation that throws some light on this. They embrace failure as a necessary part of innovation. This means that for every 100 ideas they take to market, they only expect 10% to stick (my memory is a bit fuzzy so aprox.) The belief being unless you embrace failure, then you’ll never be willing to take the necessary risks to back the potential big winners.
I think the best innovation is a combination of great ideas and succinct execution. To your example about the PocketComms, it was a good idea that fermented for a number of years, yet who’s to say you couldn’t still create an iPhone app that would be even more helpful?
Hi Pete
The times I would have found this useful (PocketComms) I really wouldn’t have wanted to put an iphone into someone elses hands!
For example negotiating with a people smuggling ship in the gulf of Aden looking to swap a bit of diesel for a bottle of Whiskey (while doing a yacht delivery). Had an encounter with pirates too - but that is a story for another day!
Only thing I am disappointed with PocketComms is there is no cartoon for “I am not a spy”.
I must say I had more fun acting out a chicken in a restaurant in Yunnan, China than I would have had with the flip book. Seriously though - it is a good idea & innovative. Not sure I would want to get out an iphone in some of the remoter border posts. Sometimes it is useful being able to pretend you don’t understand when someone is asking for a bribe…
Alex - I’m really looking forward to hearing the pirate story, well done!
Alex,
I am worried that we are becoming on the same wave length.
http://www.traveldotnet.co.uk/articles/lets-not-forget-offline-travel-innovation/
No, I have just read this post now, I didn’t copy honest
As for PocketComms, it’s a great idea, I took it to work today, and everyone wanted one.
[Disclosure: PocketComms advertise on Travel Rants, but I was not paid for writing this comment
]
I’m getting handy at writing disclosures lately.