Besides the generic CreativeStrategy system here are some example domain-specific innovation systems from a few fields that would help you in coming up with your creative combination, in part by constraining infinite possibilities to specific lists, ratios, processes, laws, patterns, plays and parts:
Business Model Innovation:
Ten Types of Innovation, Keeley et al, 2013, Wiley
- has 10 business model element categories and 104 business model generic innovations
- you combine a selection of the generic innovations to create your innovative business model
- gives you a disciplined process for spicing up / refreshing your offering in the marketplace
- benefit: improved stock price -double your stock price in 5 years vs no growth for average innovators
- appropriate for going concerns wanting growth through innovation, and early stage concept development
People-Centric Systems Innovation
101 Design Methods, Kumar, 2012 - with examples from IIT Institute of Design
Modes:
1. sense Intent
2. know Context
3. know People
4. frame Insights
5. explore Concepts
6. frame Solutions
7. realize Offerings
Arranged in 4 quadrants with dimensions observe/make and real/abstract, with a dozen or so methods per mode with example.
Thing-Centric Innovation:
The Art of Innovation, Kelley, 2001 (from IDEO)
Simpler system: observe, brainstorm, prototype - in iterative loop. Detailed articulation of innovation culture.
Brainstormer Session tips:
1. sharpen the focus - prepare generalized/abstracted statement of problem that assumes nothing about how to solve it, focus outward on customer / user need (not inward on organizational goal)
2. playful rules - post on walls "go for quantity" "be visual" - these 7
3. number your ideas - goal 100/brainstormer, refer to prior ideas for combos
4. build and jump - follow power curve and when flatten out, facilitate jump to new power curve with a variation / combination or 'ok that was great, what else'
5. the space remembers - write where everyone can see - whiteboards/walls
6. stretch your mental muscles - warm up if haven't brainstormed in a while, with free-association
7. get physical - visuals with prototypes/objects, drawings everyone can see
Problem Solving Systems:
Creative Strategy, A Guide for Innovation, by William Duggan, 2012
1. break it down into elements
2. search in different domains for a solution to each element
3. combine element-solutions into coherent innovation
Powerful Problem Solving - 4 step system
1. define the problem
2. diagnose
3. identify solutions
4. execute
Movie Innovation:
STORY, Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of ScreenWriting, Robert McKee, 1997
- generic formula to write a movie script, include genre-specific elements
- benefit: predict whether your script will be a blockbuster or niche film before producing, so you can set an appropriate budget
Cooking Innovation:
Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking, Ruhlman 2009
- instead of exact recipes, it gives you ingredient proportions for things like bread vs. biscuit vs dumpling
- then you can make your own recipes by starting with ratios and adding your fancy stuff
- benefit: more time inventing new concoctions, less time sifting through old cookbooks
Software:
Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object Oriented Software
- instead of starting from a blank screen and mind, you select and combine common software patterns to solve your design problems
- then either implement the patterns or find libraries/modules that already do it
- benefit: re-usable code that's easy to follow
Recognizing the constraints of a given innovation system may also help you break free or innovate the system itself.