http://kenmillergroup.com Insight for Innovation Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:52:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Yes, another cartoon.  Kindly indulge me.  This one pokes fun at the frustration some teams face with their internal brainstorming efforts.  Often, teams struggle to manage their own creative energy, and to generate output that is focused, on-strategy and actionable. Here's why I think ideation activities can fail: Teams have an abundance ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2010/06/16/another-original-cartoon-ideation-frustration/ Last week, I presented a case study on crayon packaging at the IOPP Conference in Chicago.  To prepare it, I conducted primary ethnographic research in homes and stores and devised a design strategy to drive concept development.  And, I worked with Carson Ahlman, an independent Industrial Designer in NYC to ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2010/05/25/your-package-doesnt-work-right-so-what/ Download PDF of this case study http://kenmillergroup.com/2010/05/24/whats-the-story-with-crayon-packaging/ Along with my work in design strategy and research, I’m occasionally asked to work on new product positioning and communications. Sometimes a new product is not performing to expectations, or there’s evidence that consumers are not receiving key messages or using a product as intended. Consumers just aren’t “getting it”. ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2010/04/09/product-communications-promise-before-positioning/ All of a sudden, several companies have asked me about new ways to screen concepts with consumers.  When I ask them why this has become an immediate concern, they cite one or more of the following: Project timelines have shortened and brand owners need to make better decisions in less time, ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2010/02/02/concept-screening-redefining-the-task-and-tools/ I'm not big on coining phrases to label the steps of an innovation process.  That's because there's no one best approach for all innovation challenges.  And, I might even argue that the very notion of implementing a standardized innovation process and expecting a higher new product success rate is like ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2009/11/16/innovation-process-are-you-working-backwards/ I recently updated my book, "Insight for Innovation" to include three published case studies and a number of  new, original cartoons.  As well, it includes 17 short articles I've written for publication over the years on topics such as: Innovation tools and processes Product development strategy Design research/VOC methods Concept ideation approaches Consumer behavior and ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2009/10/27/kens-book-insight-for-innovation-free/ I'm very excited to announce that my Innovation Methodology was issued a US Patent today. What's it all about, you ask?  Well, take a look at what's behind the "About" and  "Tools" tabs on this site.  That will give you a feel for the consumer insight and analytical tools that work ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2009/07/28/kmg-innovation-methodology-patented-july-282009/ When I first wrote and published this cartoon, some were offended.  Thankfully, both sides took me to task.  But while the depiction might be stereotypical in equal opportunity fashion, I think the point is valid.  At least the less obvious point.  The most obvious point is that marketers and designers ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2009/07/14/original-cartoon-how-marketers-and-designers-co-exist/ Recently, I was preparing for some Immersion work for a client that involved witnessing some consumer shopping occasions.  I contacted a recruiter that I hadn't used before, but had been recommended.  I was looking to recruit grocery store shoppers along specific category, attitudinal, demographic and behavioral criteria.  No big deal. Until ... http://kenmillergroup.com/2009/07/07/pseudo-ethnography-constructive-when-contrived/