Innovation is for Everyone
Innovation is a building block in the success of any company. However, it is a common misconception that innovation only happens in the labs and technical centers by scientists and engineers.
Being a manufacturer of consumer goods has a lot of perks – we get to work with some of the most recognized companies and brands in the world, we get to see the items we make on the store shelves and in our own homes, and we get first-hand experience using the products in our kitchens, garages, and laundry rooms. Products are reviewed and rated every day on e-commerce platforms. Every time we interact with a product, we gleam insights and experiences in what works well and what can be improved. Identifying the challenges – whether we think they are solvable or not – is one of the first steps in the innovation process.
Another area where everyone should get involved in is brainstorming. Brainstorming is one of the most powerful group bonding experiences with outcomes that can be ground-breaking for companies. Each member of a brainstorming team brings a unique point of view. Whether it be roles in an organization (operations, marketing, or product development), demographics, or geography, we creatively spark off one another to create more fruitful designs. Brainstorming has traditionally been done together in-person. Cross-functional teams come together using techniques to engage everyone in a supportive environment, think past preconceived notions, and promote creative thinking. Today, we are using online collaborative tools from web-based white boarding to crowdsourcing ideas with comments and ratings. The key to all of these methods is collaborating with others and inspiring others to be part of the fun of innovation.
Innovation is an incredibly powerful tool in building new products while also building moral and team comradery. Take the opportunity to share your opinions on products. When we use our own distinctive journey to identify challenges, we have a more holistic view to innovate towards. When it comes to brainstorming, share your innovative ideas with others. Ideas build upon each other, so let’s build a solution together.
If you have a packaging challenge that you need help solving, come to us!
