Glossary of Terms

A legal right created by the law of a country, that grants the creator of an original work (such as music, art, books, film) exclusive rights to its use and distribution

A “eureka moment” of a sudden image of a potential solution formed in the mind, usually after a period of thinking about a problem

A solution to a problem from an existing field is used to provide a new idea for a design problem in another

An idea from nature is used for solving a problem in another context e.g. sonar

The technology of the components stays the same, but the configuration of the components is changed to produce a new design

An unexpected discovery leads to a new idea

Any company or product that can fulfil similar functions for a similar market

A change to a product is made in both technology and organisation

A simple and cost-effective way to protect an innovative shape, appearance or ornamentation

A list of requirements, constraints and considerations that a yet-to-be-designed product must fulfil

The wide acceptance (and sale) of a product

Personal motivation, express creativity, scientific or technical curiosity, constructive discontent, desire to make money, desire to help others

Second fastest category to adopt an innovation

Third fastest group to adopt an innovation as inclined to draw from feedback from early adopters before taking the risk of purchasing new products

An influential individual who can take an invention to market, often by financing the development, production and diffusion of a product into the marketplace

When a company is first to launch their innovative product onto the market

Over time, products wear out and break down and parts are no longer available so the product can no longer work in the way it originally did

The business of putting an invention in the marketplace and making it a success

First individuals to adopt an innovation and are willing to take risks

A legal term for intangible property such as "creations of the mind" such as inventions and designs that are used in a commercial setting protected by law

The process of discovering a principle or a technical advance in a particular field often resulting in a novel product

Last to adopt an innovation and prefer traditions and are unwilling to take risks

Fourth fastest group to adopt an innovation which has been established in the marketplace and are seldom willing to take risks with new innovation

An appraisal of economic viability of the proposed design from a market perspective, taking into account potential users, the market, costs and pricing

A new idea is needed as a result of demand from the marketplace

The basic configuration stays the same, but one or more key components are changed

Effective design draws from multiple areas of expertise which can be utilised at different stages of product development

An agreement from a government office to give someone the right to make or sell a new invention for a certain number of years

The marking serves to notify those copying the invention that they may be liable for damages (including back-dated royalties), once a patent is issued

A product becomes outdated as a conscious act either to ensure a continuing market or to ensure that safety factors and new technologies can be incorporated into later versions of the product

An improvement in the organisation and/or method of manufacture that often leads to reduced costs or benefits to consumers

An influential individual, usually working within an organisation, who develops enthusiasm for a particular idea or invention

Business practice in which a company releases a new group of products that have advanced features compared to an earlier group

4 stages of a product's commercial life: Launch (most expensive due to high R&D costs and biggest risk); Growth; Maturity; Decline

Business practice in which a company produces different models of the same product, and then charges different prices for each model

High risk innovation strategy that introduces a new idea, system or product that is very different from the existing paradigm

User research, user trial, literature search, expert appraisal and performance test

Relative advantage; Compatibility; Complexity; Observability; Trial-ability

How improved an innovation is over the previous generation before considering adopting the product

The level of compatibility that an innovation is to use and understand fully before considering adopting the product

How an innovation is perceived as complicated or difficult to use before considering adopting the product

The extent to which an innovation is visible to others before considering adopting the product

How easily an innovation may be explored, used, tested before considering adopting the product

A trademark used to identify a service rather than a product

Technology that is shelved either due to issues with cost effectiveness, social, technological or timing

Is concerned with protecting customers from all organisations where there are issues with disillusionment, antagonism toward advertising, intrusions of privacy etc.

Trends change over time which can result in a product no longer being desirable

A process where a new idea or adoption of a product by the market is actively slowed

A new or improved product that meets the needs of consumers and sustains manufacturers

A specific group of people at which a product or the marketing message of a product is aimed at

New technology supersedes an existing technology and existing technology quickly falls out of use and is no longer incorporated into new products

Scientific research leads to advances in technology that underpin new ideas

Technological advances that form the basis of new designs may be applied to the development of different types of products

An individual working outside or inside an organisation who is committed to the invention of a novel product but isolated, resistant to change/work with others

A symbol, word, or words legally registered or established by use as representing a company or product

The essential requirements that a product must satisfy in relation to the user