Idea Development
So... What Even Is Innovation?
Welcome to Open Incubator! Before we dive into launching your next big thing, let’s get real about something people love to talk about but rarely define properly:
What is Innovation?
Innovation is not just about coming up with a “new idea.” It’s about creating something that works better, solves a real problem, and adds value to people’s lives. It’s the spark between creativity and impact. It’s not just invention. It’s invention that people actually want and can use.
What Makes Something Innovative?
An idea becomes innovative when it hits the sweet spot between:
Desirability
Feasibility
Viability
This is your Innovation Sweet Spot. Every great idea balances all three.
Types of Innovation
Innovations come in many flavours. Here are a few:
Real Talk: What Isn’t Innovation?
Innovations come in many flavours. Here are a few:
A cool idea no one wants to use;
A fancy app that solves a fake problem;
A product that works well but burns out the planet in the process;
A startup that copies others but adds no new value.
Innovation ≠ Noise. It’s about making something better, not just different.
Activity: Innovation Detective
Grab a notebook or open a new doc and do this:
Pick three products or services you use every day (e.g. Spotify, your campus meal plan, a water bottle).
For each one, answer:
Is this an innovation? Why or why not?
Which type is it — Device, Method, Material, or Mindset?
How does it balance Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability?