Breaking Through the Barriers of Product Development
In today’s fast-paced world, innovation is often reduced to small, iterative improvements rather than sweeping, game-changing breakthroughs. Many organizations, especially those with products that have been around for decades, find it hard to embrace something truly new. The fear of risk often outweighs the desire for significant change.
Take, for example, a recent dream I had that’s stuck with me. In the dream, a former colleague reached out to me. She was working for a Fortune 500 company that had been manufacturing the same types of products for many years. She knew I had some insight into their industry and asked for help. The challenge? They were struggling to come up with anything innovative, something that would set them apart in the marketplace without feeling risky.
In that dream, I offered several ideas that could enhance their product’s user-friendliness while navigating regulatory hurdles. It was right after I woke up that I started wondering: How do different organizations approach innovation? How do they ensure that their “new ideas” aren’t just incremental changes but truly innovative solutions?
Many organizations rely on collaboration, customer focus groups, or internal brainstorming sessions to drive innovation. But how often do these approaches lead to small, safe improvements rather than groundbreaking advancements?
The Stagnation Trap
How Companies Like Apple Show Us the Limits of Incremental Change
A prime example of this can be seen in recent product launches, like Apple’s new iPhone 16. While a solid product, the changes are incremental. Even with new AI features, there’s nothing truly revolutionary. It makes you think back to the early days of Apple’s innovation, with products like the original iPhone, iMac, or even the Lisa. Those weren’t just small improvements; they were disruptive products that changed the way we interacted with technology.
What’s the difference? Back then, much of Apple’s innovation stemmed from pivotal moments—whether it was the partnership between Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak or Jobs’ reemergence at Apple after his departure. Jobs had a unique way of pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. Today, it seems harder for large organizations to achieve that level of disruption.
The Power of External Perspectives
One thing that stands out to me is how successful companies often bring in third-party firms to help innovate. A famous example is IDEO, a design firm that has helped countless organizations with breakthrough product ideas. They bring in an outside perspective, which is essential because teams within an organization can become entrenched in their day-to-day tasks, firefighting, and meeting deadlines. This often limits their ability to think creatively or take risks.
That’s where companies like Big Rocks Engineering come in. We offer fresh perspectives and expertise in product development. Whether it’s a quick brainstorming session or a full-scale product development project, having an external partner can help businesses push past internal limitations and explore new possibilities.
Innovate with Confidence
About the Author
Mike Hill is the founder of Big Rocks Engineering, bringing a wealth of experience from his background in physics and aerospace defense. With a passion for innovation, Mike leads the company with a focus on helping organizations develop cutting-edge products and solutions. His leadership emphasizes strong business relationships, collaboration, and consistently delivering high-quality results.
Want to connect with Mike Hill and learn more about how Big Rocks Engineering can help you with product development? Connect with Mike on Linkedln, to start a conversation!
