Development process/Implementation plan

Proposing, Evaluating, and Selecting Innovation

Proposing, Evaluating, and Selecting Innovation

Innovation is a key asset in the success of a company or product. It allows people to express their creativity and unique ideas with the world. Innovation is used to help companies produce products for the consumer that are successful in the marketplace and stand out among competitors. With the world constantly changing around us, it is important for companies to accept and adapt to change by embracing innovation in their workplace. Each team member of the White Group has created an outstanding innovation that they have found useful in today’s market. The evaluations of the Hands-Free Device, Pre-Safety Warning Device, Solar Power Charger, Boundaries, and Swap International Application, along with its advantages, disadvantages, and challenges will be used to select the innovation idea that will be implemented. After the evaluations were completed the group selected Natalia’s Solar Power Charger and will use the need, options, market, model, approachable, and relevant (NOMMAR) model to evaluate this innovative idea.

Hands-free Device and NOMMAR

Today around the globe, there are restrictions of using phones while driving. In many states it is mandatory to only use a headphone or Bluetooth to talk while driving or a ticket will be issued. Bluetooth was created so people can make phone calls while driving without the need of using their hands because it projected through the speakers. Bluetooth was a successful innovation because it is easy to use and very comfortable while keeping hands on the wheel while driving. It decreased accidents and improved public safety. On the other hand, earphones are another option but it is not practical since the wires get tangled. Next, it takes time to place the earphones in one’s ears when receiving calls. Last, it is uncomfortable to use. But what if the car is not capable of using Bluetooth since it is not equipped by the manufacturer?

This is where Hands-free comes handy. Hands-free works like Bluetooth for cars that cannot use the Bluetooth device due to the lack of equipment from its creators. It is a small device that can plug into the phone and it will connect the phone wirelessly to the radio, and the phone conversation will be heard through the car speakers. Hands-free can be used by any smartphone. It can be used as a Bluetooth in all vehicles as long as the vehicles have wireless capabilities. It is easy to use and a comfortable way to use the phone while driving.

One way for evaluating an early innovation is the NOMMAR model. This evaluation model consists of six criteria’s: Need, Options, Market, Model, Approachable, Relevant (Terwilliger, 2011). Hands-free is a need for people who have cars that cannot have Bluetooth. Hands-free will have the technology of including and transforming the music from the cellphone to the car. The market is full of cars that are manufactured before the creation of Bluetooth. Therefore, there is a demand for the product. The product comes in limited color options to match the smartphone available on the market. With the right technology team, Hands-free can come to life. The price should be less than Bluetooth and the product can be accessible for everyone who wants to follow the law and protect themselves and their loved ones while driving.

Pre-Warning Safety Device and the Lean Startup Plan

Each year there are many adults and children who have been seriously injured or tragically lost their lives due to a driver backing up and not being able to see them. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), children 5 years and younger and adults 70 years and older have an increased risk of being involved in backover accidents in comparison to the entire population. NHTSA statistics show that in “backover fatalities involving passenger vehicles, children under 5 account for 44 percent of the fatalities, and adults 70 and older account for 33 percent” (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 2008, p. 15). Backing fatalities occur mostly in driveways, along with other residential areas, public roadways, and nonresidential parking lots (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 2008). Back over accidents have become a significant issue due to the injuries and fatalities. However, due to the advancement in technology there are solutions to address this problem.

Presently, some vehicles are equipped with rear cameras and sensors while others are not. Unfortunately, rear cameras and sensors are not sufficient enough to prevent drivers from having tragic b ackover accidents. Therefore, my idea is to invent an audio pre-warning safety device that will make drivers aware that they should inspect their vehicle’s surroundings prior to backing up out of a driveway or residential area. This device will be an audio warning that will sound and display in the dashboard once the vehicle is turned on. This device will alert the driver to check the surroundings of the vehicle before putting it in the reverse position. The sound will continue until the driver determines that his or her path is clear. The best evaluation tool to use for this innovation is the Lean Startup Plan which allows an individual to create and manage a startup and get a much needed product to the consumer quickly. This approach will provide for the opportunity to build, measure, and learn the product. Also, it can establish order by providing resources to test the product or service regularly.

In fact, the evaluation results show that there is an urgent need for this innovation because there have been several injuries and deaths due to back over accidents (The Lean Startup, nod). The advantages of the audio pre-warning safety device will reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by back overs and save lives. Drivers will be able to know exactly what is behind their vehicle. The drawback is that drivers who may be in a hurry to reach their destination will not take the extra time needed to inspect their vehicle’s surroundings. The challenge of this innovation would be getting drivers use to the change and the device itself. Drivers will need to be more aware of their surroundings and pay close attention while backing out of their driveway or residential area. Ultimately, this device will ensure the safety of everyone who operates or comes into contact with a vehicle.

Solar Power Charger and NOMMAR

Innovation is important when being creative in the ever-changing world. The innovation idea that I came up with is a solar power charger. Technology has become such a huge part of the world today. Everything in the world revolves around using technology. With advancement in technology there are issues with batteries draining rather quickly. When batteries are drained it causes an increase in electricity usage. The increases in electricity puts a lot of strain on the national grid which provides electricity to the United States. With the world trying to go greener, why not invent a solar power charger.

Solar power has become increasingly popular in the world today. There are solar power lights, solar power houses, etc. The solar power charger allows a person to charge their phone, tablet, and laptop anywhere they go. People are not always able to connect to an outlet to charge their device because they are on the go. With the solar power charger, it is portable and small enough to fit anywhere. Best of all it does not require electricity to use. This reduces cost and power on the National Grid.

The best way to evaluate this innovation would be through NOMMAR. The need is there, people need to charge their devices and are not always able to connect to an outlet, and this innovation will eliminate any inconvenience the typical outlet provides. With increase in technology usage, the market for a portable solar power charger will increase and provide more convenience for people on the go. Providing different models for different needs will allow the product to be relevant to all people in the market. Different colors and styles will catch the eyes of all different types of people and allow them to purchase one based on their personality type. Pricing plays a vital role in whether the market for a product such as this will be successful. The price for this product should be appealing to everyone. Because it is designed to reduce cost, the price should not be extremely high because this would defeat the purpose and turn people off to the idea of purchasing the product. Also with going green, people believe this lifestyle is out of reach because it will be more expensive. This stereotype should be eliminated to allow people the opportunity to give back to the Earth with an eco-friendly device.

Boundaries and NOMMAR

Consider when wanting to go to grab a cup of coffee or a beer with a friend, maybe even looking for a little low key live music but there is a dilemma of having to bring children. It is not appropriate to bring children to a bar for too long. Also, having the children sit at a coffee shop for an extended period of time will only result in whining and boredom, so what can be done about this issue?

I have come up with an innovative idea to open an establishment that can entertain both children and adults. The innovative idea is a coffee and beer barn called Boundaries. The establishment would serve only the best local beers on tap and local wines as well. Boundaries will bring the most eclectic and desirable coffee creations along with a regular cup of coffee for those who are not as open to change and new ideas. The barn would be two levels having a stage for only small time and upcoming local artists who can come and showcase their musical talents. This will set the backdrop for a soothing and enjoyable adult day or night time out. The center of the barn is where the children will play and enjoy themselves. There would be an enclosed glass play area for all children. An area to run and play with the parent’s ability to see what is going on while still sitting and enjoying themselves at a table listening to great live music. There will be a menu for children and adults to select house created sandwiches and soups along with the staple items children love such as pastries, donuts, and ice cream. This simple setting allows the parents or adults to get in some good conversation and relaxation while ensuring the children have space to wear themselves out and in turn have fun in their own regard.

The business model that best suits the innovation is NOMMAR. This business model focuses on the customer and their need. With advancement in technology, this will ensure someone can meet the needs that in turn someone will be willing to pay for. When looking at the shell of the idea it is a concept that absolutely can be accomplished and someone can do it. Looking at numbers and logic the plan would flourish. This innovation will use the three R’s, look for resources, examine the risks, and take into account any resistance. The final thing is its relevance. Is this idea relevant to what society and the public wants in today’s ever changing world? Yes it is.

Swap International Application and NOMMAR

Revolutionizing how people sell and/or buy items by connecting traveling buyers and sellers with items they do not want to take back to their home or take with them while travelling. Upon my last travel to Italy I bought an adapter for all of my electronic devices. I was tempted to bring an additional suitcase for all of my souvenirs but decided against it because I did not want to travel with it. When I got to Italy, my curling iron worked, but my straightener did not. Also, I bought so many souvenirs and had to purchase an additional piece of luggage in order to bring everything back. These minor setbacks had me thinking… I wish there was an Offer Up type application for travelling products only that was not bogged down with cars, sofas, tires, and any other junk that was not relevant to travel. It would be nice to be able to buy and sell travel items like curling irons, suitcases, umbrellas, or other small items that are needed in the place of travel for a fraction of the price, especially if people are only going to use it for a short period of time. 

The application that I would create would be advertised on travel websites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz, etc. and would be free to users. Travelers from around the globe would be able to use this application if they did not want to bring specific items to wherever they are travelling. When someone forgets something they would be able to purchase a used item from someone close to them for a cheap price. When I went to Italy one euro was worth $1.15. If I wanted to buy the straightener with the proper adapter, it would have cost me 70 euros, or $80.50. I would have loved to have known about an Offer Up application, or if it was in existence, utilized it, and bought this straightener used, and sold it to the next traveler.

The best model to use for this innovation is the NOMMAR model. This model is used to ask questions to see if the innovation is worth the investment. Is there a need for this application? Are there existing options and technology similar to this application? Is there a potential market for the application? Will someone pay to use the application? Can this realistically be one? Are there resources to create this application? Is it worth the risk? Will there be any resistance when making this application? Is this app relevant? Does it fit with the strategy and image the company is going for? (Terwilliger, 2011).

The results are there is a need for the application. Recent travel abroad brought this to fruition. There are similar applications like International Swap, but they are more local. If one is traveling abroad, how are they to know about the local Offer Up? With the application being marketed on travel websites, it is easier for a traveler to know about. The market is most definitely there, with millions of people travelling worldwide and it is relevant to every age, sex, and person that is travelling abroad. The hardest part of implementing the application would be the funding and how it will be marketed appropriately on websites. Another issue would be language translation, since it will be worldwide.

Selected Innovation/Challenges

The selected innovation idea for the project is Natalia’s solar power charger. One innovation that has shown to be successful is solar power. It has been becoming increasingly more popular, being used for homes and businesses alike. The group would like to introduce the idea of the solar power charger. This device will allow anyone with a phone, laptop, or tablet to charge their device anywhere they go. This will alleviate having to be in a car or facility to charge devices. Knowing that the sun is in abundance it is guaranteed that the devices will always have a charge. While the solar power charger is charging the phone all day it will ensure the device can be used at night. This innovative idea is beneficial for society as a whole. The solar power charger would take strain off of the national grid, and will most definitely save people time and money. The product will allow the user to be on their device for long periods of time without having to stop and charge the device. Streaming music and videos will not drain the battery because the solar power charger is constantly keeping the device charged. When considering the cost of this product the consumer will see the benefit right away. Consider not having to replace chargers due to rust from condensation or bad connections. The pieces tend to bend and the charge itself sometimes can tend to damage the phone. There will be no more worrying about sparks that cause fires or the phone being compromised in a storm. The solar power charger is a one-time purchase that will give the user a lifetime of battery charge. The product will come in fun colors and different sizes for all types of devices. Users can personalize the solar power charger and watch as it saves the planet one charger at a time.

During the innovation process, it is important to evaluate an idea to determine its feasibility. The solar power charger was evaluated using the NOMMAR model. This is a six decision model that is used as a criterion for evaluating innovative ideas. The NOMMAR model is an acronym for Needs, Options, Model, Market, Approach, and Relevance (Kerka, Kriegesmann, & Schwering, 2009). The need relates to the market gap. It fulfills the benefits that consumers do not get from existing similar products. Solar power chargers come with sustainable benefits of providing cheap and accessible power that would otherwise be expensive if consumers adopt electric chargers. The option brings in the idea of available technology that can be used to develop the idea, while the NOMMAR model analyzes the business model that can be used to implement the idea. The market evaluates the available buyers, the approach evaluates the method of idea development, and the relevance analyzes how realistic the idea is. Therefore, this model analyzes various aspects of the idea to determine whether it is wise to implement it.

The result of the innovative idea are it takes care of a certain need. The need for solar chargers was identified as the demand for increased use of renewable energy. Most chargers use electricity which is produced using non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels. Therefore, the production of these chargers helps to meet this need. It is a worthy innovation because it takes care of the cost incurred by the customers and also promotes environmental conservation. The technology options for the development of solar chargers are already in existence. Solar energy has existed for many decades and there is information on its technology available from many sources. The producers of the chargers will not have a hard time coming up with new technology to develop the chargers.

There is a model for the business of these chargers. Once they are produced, they will be marketed based on the advantages they have over the conventional chargers. These can be used in any place regardless of access to electricity, the energy can be saved to be used at night, and they do not have to be attached to a socket to work. The approach for the innovation is realistic. There is likely to be low resistance from the customers because of the need to have a charger that is portable and can be used where there is no access to electricity. Lastly, after evaluating this idea, it was found that it is very relevant and has a high rate of feasibility. While the product idea is convincingly sustainable, there are some challenges that could affect its development. Solar power chargers will rely on solar power and, therefore, will be subject to weather variations. For instance, regions that will have longer winters with little sun energy may not favor the development and adoption of the product. Another challenge is solar power chargers will not have the ability to store power for a long time compared to conventional electric power chargers.

Phase 2 Project Plan

The White Group team members are Nada Masri, Priscilla Jackson, Natalia Cruz, Michele Hayes, & Jessica Cisneros who created and developed a plan for a new product management process of the selected innovation. All team members are responsible to write 450-500 words about a product development process and creating a new idea while using APA style in-text citations for every phase of this three phase project. Each member is also accountable for writing a summary of 25-30 words description of the innovation and a name for the product.

The team leader is Nada. She is responsible for providing job assignments for team members to choose from. Nada will communicate with the group to ensure that each team member has a clear understanding of their responsibility. She will set due dates for each phase and establish effective time management for the team. Also, Nada will create organizational charts, process maps, and graphic illustrations of the plan. Nada will submit the final paper for the group project.

Natalia is responsible for creating a name for her innovation idea with a brief description. Her responsibility is to write 250-300 words introduction for each assignment. Phase 1 is due June 28th and Phase 2 is due July 20th. Michele chose to write about the selected idea. This includes 400-500 words explaining the product and the demand of this particular innovation, including the innovation model used to promote the product due June 29th. On Phase 2 she will describe the value of the product and the customer’s needs by July 20th. Jessica has also chose to write about the innovative idea. She will list the drawbacks and challenges associated with the idea due June 28th. Phase two will include a detailed implementation plan for the innovation due July 20th. Priscilla is in charge of proofreading and editing the assigned work by her fellow group members. She will send the final result to the team leader by Friday June 30th. Phase 2 is due July 21st and she will take the lead in the PowerPoint presentation due July 28th.

Conclusion

Finally, innovation is a major component to an organization or product success. Individuals are able to express their creativity and unique ideas worldwide. Innovation can assist organizations in creating successful customer products within the market and set them apart from the competition. All team members developed exceptional innovation ideas that can be beneficial within the market. After evaluations of all the ideas the group selected Natalia’s solar power charger. The innovation was evaluated using the NOMMAR model. This exceptional device will be very useful for customers who are traveling and are always on the go.

References

Kerka, F., Kriegesmann, B., & Schwering, M. G. (2009). Evaluating innovation ideas: a comprehensive approach to New Product Development. International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 5(2), 118-137.

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. (2008). Fatalities and Injuries in Motor Vehicle Backing Crashes (DOT HS 811 144). Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811144

Ries, E. (n.d.). The Lean Startup Methodology, 1. Retrieved from http://theleanstartup.

com/principles

Terwilliger, J. (2011, April 5). Two models for evaluating early innovation . Retrieved from The innovation blog: http://www.creativerealities.com/innovationist-blog/bid/54707/Two-models-for-evaluating-early-innovation

Terwilliger, J. (2011). Two models for evaluating early innovation. Creative Realities Inc., 1-3. Retrieved from http://www.creativerealities.com/innovationist-blog/bid/54707/Two- models-for-evaluating-early-innovation

White Group thanks for submitting Phase 1 of the CLC assignment. Please see rubric for allocated points. During Phase 1, each one of you were required to submit your own idea for an innovation along with a model you found useful for evaluating its merits. Your group members were Nada Masri, Priscilla Jackson, Natalia Cruz, Michele Hayes, & Jessica Cisneros. You all worked hard to develop a new product you saw a need for, evaluated your idea with a known method, and proposed the idea to the group and based on the proposals; you have selected the idea proposed by Natalia. Which was the solar power charger utilizing the NOMMAR model system (good choice). You were also required to write a report of 1,500-2,500 words that describes the team’s selection process and identifies the final choice the report must contain the required components (Great work). White Group you provided the project plan as required and summary required. This paper was supposed to be created utilizing the APA guidelines, and you did a very good job here, but your margins are incorrect and please shorten your headings. Please see the Student Success Center for APA margins so everything falls correctly on your documents. Overall, you did really well, but make sure you use spell and grammar check before submission of phase 2. You earned 128.38/130. Your turn it in was 3 % which was very good. White Group I am super excited to see the next Phase of your Project.