How do you learn from failed innovation frameworks?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step to learn from failed innovation frameworks is to identify the root cause of the failure. This means going beyond the symptoms and finding out what went wrong in your assumptions, methods, data, or execution. You can use tools like the 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, or failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to help you dig deeper into the problem and its sources. By identifying the root cause, you can avoid repeating the same mistakes and focus on the areas that need improvement.

2 Seek feedback and perspectives

The second step to learn from failed innovation frameworks is to seek feedback and perspectives from different stakeholders, such as customers, users, partners, experts, or peers. Feedback can help you validate or invalidate your assumptions, uncover new insights, and discover new opportunities. You can use methods like surveys, interviews, focus groups, or user testing to collect feedback and perspectives. However, you also need to be open-minded and receptive to constructive criticism, and avoid confirmation bias or defensiveness. By seeking feedback and perspectives, you can enrich your understanding of the problem and the solution.

3 Experiment and iterate

The third step to learn from failed innovation frameworks is to experiment and iterate based on your learning and feedback. Experimentation means trying out different ideas, hypotheses, or prototypes in a small-scale and low-risk way, and measuring the results and outcomes. Iteration means making changes or adjustments to your ideas, hypotheses, or prototypes based on the results and outcomes of your experiments. You can use tools like the build-measure-learn loop, the minimum viable product (MVP), or the pivot to help you experiment and iterate. By experimenting and iterating, you can test and validate your assumptions, learn from your failures, and improve your solutions.

4 Document and share

The fourth step to learn from failed innovation frameworks is to document and share your learning and outcomes with others. Documentation means recording your process, methods, data, results, and lessons learned in a clear and concise way. Sharing means communicating your learning and outcomes with others who may benefit from them, such as your team, your organization, your customers, or your community. You can use tools like blogs, podcasts, videos, reports, or presentations to help you document and share. By documenting and sharing, you can capture and retain your knowledge, increase your credibility and visibility, and inspire others to learn from your failures.

5 Celebrate and reward

The fifth step to learn from failed innovation frameworks is to celebrate and reward yourself and others for your efforts and achievements. Celebration means acknowledging and appreciating the value and impact of your innovation process, regardless of the outcome. Reward means giving yourself and others incentives and recognition for your innovation process, such as praise, feedback, bonuses, or awards. You can use methods like thank-you notes, shout-outs, parties, or certificates to help you celebrate and reward. By celebrating and rewarding, you can foster a positive and supportive culture of innovation, where failures are seen as opportunities for learning and growth.