Although innovation is constantly talked about, it can often be attributed to status quo-breaking approaches that result in an entirely new product or solution. Mutative innovation is a unique approach and one that is constantly gaining momentum, particularly in a markets rapidly moving towards sustainability. Mutative Innovation is a process that works by altering existing products and processes in order to make them more sustainable or beneficial in the long-term.
At its core, mutative innovation is about taking existing products and ideas and applying the same thinking processes to them, in order to build a enhanced version. Rather than completely discarding an existing product, Mutative Innovation focuses on building upon its features and capabilities, introducing a new version which is potentially more sustainable and beneficial. Mutative innovation is all about looking at a product from a different point of view, by modifying its design, components, materials, or even its production process. This can help to reduce waste, cost, and energy consumption, thereby creating products which are kinder to the environment, more economical, and more efficient in the long-term.
For organizations looking to make use of mutative innovation, the most effective way to adopt this new process is to look at the existing products in their product portfolio and consider which components, materials, or processes could be adapted in order to create a more efficient and sustainable product. When making these alterations, it is important to consider how the customer will think of the product and whether or not the proposed changes will improve the user experience for them.
Another important factor to consider is the cost and investment associated with making these changes. Research has shown that mutative innovation is often an expensive endeavour as there are many modifications and enhancements which need to be made in order to take a product from one version to the next. As such, organizations looking to make use of mutative innovation should ensure that their finances are in good shape and that they are willing to invest the money and resources necessary to bring about the desired improvements.
Yet despite the fact that mutative innovation does require an investment, the potential rewards should not be overlooked. This is because mutative innovation can often result in products which are more efficient, more sustainable, and more appealing to customers. For example, when modifications are made to a product’s production process, companies can often benefit from reduced energy and waste costs, while at the same time creating products which are more desirable to customers.
Ultimately, Mutative Innovation is a great way for organizations to keep up with the increasingly demanding demands of sustainability. By taking existing products and continually enhancing and adapting them, organizations can create products which are not only better for the environment, but also more convenient and desirable for their customers. As such, organizations across all industries should seriously consider using mutative innovation when it comes to improving their product portfolio able to take advantage of the potential rewards on offer.
