Abstract
Focus in this paper is on the early innovation activities, in particular idea work. Based on a case study from industrial practice on the development of a new circulator (the Alpha Pro circulator) we aim at getting a better understanding of the work with ideas in the early phases of product development. Based on our case we will point out four central findings: 1) Early idea work is a complex process and interlinked with many other activities both inside and outside the organization. 2) Ideas evolve,combine and change over time. 3) Idea work involves a wide range of actors. 4) Carrying ideas through demands continuous mobilization of support among a range of actors. We suggest that the actors involved in idea work and their interaction such as negotiating different understandings of what constitutes a qualified idea as well as the continuous mobilization of support to their ideas among a range of actors should be key elements when we want to understand early idea work.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED09) |
Editors | M. Norell Bregendahl, M. Grimheden, L. Leifer, P. Skogstad, J. Clarkson |
Volume | Volume 1 |
Publisher | Design Society |
Publication date | 2009 |
Pages | 447-458 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781904670056 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |