IDEA GENERATION

                                                               IDEA GENERATION

The figure above shows the overall process of the New Product Development (NPD). The process starts with idea generation where ideas are sourced regarding a new product. Idea Generation is defined as the process of creating or developing ideas which can be associated with business or organisations innovation to develop and create new ventures or products (Grandi & Grimaldi, 2005). This stage is necessary as it lays the foundation for all the other stages, guiding the overall process of product development.

Examples of existent sports product

Land Roller

An example of idea generation would be Land Roller’s angled wheel technology which outperforms inline skates with a decreased vibration, smoother ride and increased glide time. (Landroller, 2005)

Coasting Bicycle

Another example of idea generation would be Coasting bicycle design strategy for Shimano. The Coasting Bicycle has innovative components from Shimano enabling lower maintenance and increased comfort. (IDEO, 2006)

                                  

Pilates Allegro 2 Reformer

Last example for idea generation would be Pilates Allegro 2 Reformer which is designed by IDEO and manufactured by Balanced Body. The product has improved with greater functionality, adjustability and cost reduction modifications. (IDEO, 2011)

Ideas

Dunk Pad

This basically is a launch pad with shock absorption and cushion engraved on the surface of a basketball court under the basketball ring (Pivotal positions). This serves to help stabilize the foot and efficiently transfer energy created by the athlete towards the area of the launch pad that impacts vertical leap to help the athlete take a lay-up and dunk effortlessly. This can be used in coaching camps for kids and amateur basketball to help an athlete of any height to dunk in a basketball game giving fair advantage to every athlete.

Football Puncher

This is a mechanical machine that surrounds the advertisement boards in a football pitch that automatically throws out footballs at adjusted speed and angles as soon as a football is detected leaving the designated football pitch. Its main purpose is to provide the football to athletes in a football game in order to save time in a football game. It prevents the use of ball boys and crowd from interfering in a football game.

Ticket App

This technology can help fans to swipe the ticket barcode via their smartphones at the check point to get into the stadium instead of having to carry a ticket. This is a convenient way for season ticket holders and regular fans to visit the stadium at their convenience and not bothering about a ticket.

References  

Grandi., A & Grimaldi., R., (2005) Academics  organizational characteristics and the generation of successful business ideas. Journal of business venturing, vol 3 pp 821-845

IDEO (2006) Available at: http://www.ideo.com/work/shimano/.  Accessed on: 25th October 2013

IDEO (2011) Available at: http://www.ideo.com/work/allegro-pilates-reformer-redesign/. Accessed on: 31^st October 2013

Land Roller (2005) Available at: http://landroller.com/our-skates/. Accessed on: 29^th October 2013