Visual Devices in Innovation Management

Abstract

One issue affecting innovation-related studies is to translate the vast amount of theories and research findings produced by academics into workable solutions for business practitioners. Due to the diffused adherence to the empirical, hard science-based methodology permeated in innovation literature, a more practical, open-ended and agile approach for solving the research-versus-practice gap is needed. A valid solution resides in the act of visualization, meaning the construction of mental, abstract and imaginative representations influencing the way problems, perspectives and ideas are elaborated and framed. Albeit the extant evidence of visualization methods across literature (e.g. process models, NPD systems, strategy maps, business canvas), the current state of Innovation Management research lacks a proper conceptualization of visual devices, namely: systematic, design-driven, adaptable, portable and graphic representations. In order to shed a light on the link between the Design Thinking (DT) approach and Innovation Management, this study aims at scoping-out as many DT-oriented visual devices as possible found to be conducive to innovation. By resting on an ad-hoc theoretical construct, the employed document analysis led to a comprehensive toolbox of 108 visual devices, classified in terms of graphic format and range of application within different innovation contexts. Visual devices result to effectively assist managers in navigating through the non-linear, iterative, dynamical and cyclical journey of innovation, by fostering divergent idea-generation and creative problem-solving, emergent change of perspectives and experimentation, convergent organizational sensemaking by creating consensus on collectively-agreed directions. Yet, a clear interpretation of visual devices as boundary objects, facilitating negotiated agreement between professionally “distant” knowledge domains cannot be formally supported yet.