<imagineering> 5 Levels of Innovation
Philosopher
Level 1
Description:
Uses means (materials, methods, mechanisms) specifically for the
situation.
Solutions are found by individuals or work teams in the immediate
area from information or knowledge within the specialty or within the
organization.
Frequency: 30%
Number of Required Trials: Few
Magnitude of Change: Little or none
Level 2
Description:
Additional requirements increase the difficulty over level 1.
Solutions are found from knowledge within the company, technology or
industry, or from specialists in the field.
Frequency: 45%
Number of Required Trials: Dozens
Magnitude of Change: Some
Level 3
Description:
Fundamental changes in operating principle.
Contradictions are satisfactorily resolved.
Applications of technical knowledge from other fields or
technologies.
Frequency: 20%
Number of Required Trials: Hundreds
Magnitude of Change: Object essentially changed
Level 4
Description:
Radical changes. New approach, using different physical systems or
elements.
Changes in the scientific basis of the system.
Same function addressed in a different way.
Uses knowledge within the science.
Frequency: 4%
Number of Required Trials: Thousands
Magnitude of Change: Object totally changed
Level 5
Description:
Discovery or breakthroughs. Whole new function.
Revolution, not evolution.
Previously unknown science or technology
Frequency: Fraction of a percent
Number of Required Trials: Millions
Magnitude of Change: Technical system changed