4. Technology Push and Road Mapping

Question 1

What does TRIZ stand for? What is it?

Answer 1

Theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) in Russian.

Creative problem solving methodology tailored for scientific and engineering problems.

Question 2

What is the purpose of TRIZ?

Answer 2

To overcome a contradiction in the design stage e.g reliability vs complexity or strength vs flexibility

40,00 patents were reviewed when developing TRIZ, what did they reveal?

39 common engineering parameters

40 inventive principles

Question 3

Describe the TRIZ problem solution process.

Answer 3

Specific Problem -> General Problem -> General Solution -> Specific Solution

Question 4

Give an example of the use of contradictions to help with innovation.

Answer 4

Short and wide boat vs long and thin boat = Catamaran

Question 5

Compare push and pull innovation paths.

Answer 5

Push:

• New tech, guess suitable market
• Not much data available
• ‘Push’ new tech in each industry

Pull:
- Identify market need

• Find a solution to the need
• Solve design issues

Question 6

Give examples of Push innovation failures and successes:

Answer 6

Failures:
Sinclair C5
Google glass

Success:
Microwaves
Post it notes

Question 7

What is the roy rothwell coupling model?

Answer 7

Linking of technology and market (coupling) should take place at every stage of the development process.

Question 8

What are the prerequisites for technical linking?

Answer 8

Creative insight and talent - relate technical problem to external or scientific knowledge

Unique expertise - view solution to problem as both feasible and relevant for users and customers.

Question 9

What is the cupcake approach?

Answer 9

• Focus on technical issues and problems
• Search for technical knowledge within company or externally
• Develop solution to problem
• Let market inform next steps

Question 10

What is first mover advantage, give example.

Answer 10

Being the first to the market.

Sony walkman.

Question 11

Describe catching the wave, with an example.

Answer 11

Apple launching the ipod after the MP3 player launch. Itunes was released on mac first then ipod launched after.

Question 12

What are the advantages of technology road mapping?

Answer 12

Better decisions are made:

• Identify product needs
• Determine tech alternatives to satisfy needs
• Generate a plan to implement the tech

Question 13

Define technology road map:

Answer 13

Tech roadmap - Planning technique matching short and long term goals with tech solutions.

Question 14

Describe road map layout:

Answer 14

Tech at the bottom, linked to product in the middle, linked to Market at the top.

Question 15

How does a product road map link to a tech road map?

Answer 15

Product road map is defined and a tech roadmap is created to realise the product map.

Question 16

What are the uses of a tech road map?

Answer 16

• Develop a set of needs and the tech required to satisfy the needs
• Help experts forecast tech developments
• Framework to plan or coordinate tech developments

Question 17

What are the 3 phases of TRM?

Answer 17

1. Preliminary activity
2. Development of tech through roadmap
3. Follow up and use roadmap

Question 18

What is the 1st stage of TRM?

Answer 18

Preliminary activity:

• Satisfy essential conditions
• Provide leadership
• Define scope and boundaries

Question 19

What is the 2nd stage of TRM?

Answer 19

Development of tech through roadmap:

• identify product to focus on
• identify critical system requirements
• specify major tech areas
• Specify tech drivers
• tech alternatives
• create the TRM report.

Question 20

What is the 3rd stage of TRM?

Answer 20

Follow up and use roadmap:

• critique and validate RM
• develop implementation plan
• review and update.