Olivier Pialot

Towards a multi-input model, method and tool for early design phases in innovation

This paper focuses on the early design phases of innovative projects. More precisely, the question of the innovation opportunities development and management is addressed here, starting from a theoretical model and methodology, until precise tool perspectives. The key elements of our approach are the potential technology concept (PTC) multi-input model and the C-K theory. Our PTC model is based on three dimensions (concept, technology and potential) and highlights the need of interactions between them regarding strategic and operational levels. Starting from the analysis of these three dimensions, different opportunities for the innovation are identified. In order to develop every identified opportunity, the three dimensions have to be explored with specific workshops and the C-K theory resulting in a tree diagram. The paper presents also tool perspectives dedicated to structure the preliminary exchanges among all stakeholders using criteria to consolidate new ideas. Two case studies are finally proposed.

Management of new ideas during early design phases of innovative products in the surf industry

This paper focuses on the early design phases of innovative projects in the surf and sliding industry. More precisely, the questions of the innovation opportunities development and new ideas management are addressed here from a theoretical model and methodology perspectives and a software tool proposition for the information management during the early design phases. Our model is based on three dimensions (Potential Technology and Concept) and highlights the need of interactions between them regarding strategic and operational levels. Starting from the analysis of the three dimensions of our PTC model, different opportunities for the innovation are identified. Based on a case study of the design of a surf wetsuit, the paper presents the ID2 software tool (Innovation Development and Diffusion) dedicated to structure the preliminary exchanges among all stakeholders involved in the innovation process. This tool is mainly oriented towards the consolidation and the diffusion of new ideas in the early phases of innovative development.