University of Twente Student Theses
Increase the efficiency and speed at the fuzzy front end of innovation: Investigating Design Thinking and Stage-Gate as methods
Weide, J.J.W. (2022) Increase the efficiency and speed at the fuzzy front end of innovation: Investigating Design Thinking and Stage-Gate as methods.
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| Abstract: | Innovating happens at most small and medium sized enterprises. It can be important for these firms to find a way how the innovation process in terms of efficiency and speed can be increased. Moreover, for companies it would be important that it is known what the most accepted method according to the literature is, to adapt this. Qualitative research was carried out to investigate if either Design Thinking or Stage-Gate is more appropriate for SMEs. The research was carried out based on a comparative case study in cooperation with a consulting firm. Three teams, all with their own method (1) Design Thinking, (2) Stage-Gate and (3) Freestyle worked on the same case. To research this, the following research questions was formulated: ‘’How can firms increase the efficiency and speed at the fuzzy front end of innovation - investigating Design Thinking and Stage-Gate as methods?’’ Data was collected via various methods including surveys, observations, daily reporting, and personal conversations. Design Thinking and Stage-Gate are user-centred approach towards the innovation process, both supported by relevant literate and this research. Design Thinking is making use of external information earlier in the process when comparing with Stage-Gate. In terms of performance and team-mood rating both Design Thinking and Stage-Gate do not differ much from each other. If Freestyle will be added, it can be seen that scores are significant lower as the other two methods. This research has shown that both Design Thinking and Stage-Gate were outperforming the team which was using no method at all. Working according to a method improves the creativity, as well as the ideation at the beginning of a project. No significant difference between the two methods can be found, therefore it can be concluded that both methods have a positive influence on the fuzzy front end of the innovation process in terms of efficiency and speed. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/90814 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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