User & Free Innovation

Also known as: Lead-User Method · Democratizing Innovation

Much innovation comes from users, not producers — and tapping or freeing it can be a strategy.

Shows that users, especially lead users, are a major and underused source of innovation, and that opening designs or co-developing with a user community can outpace closed in-house R&D. Underpins open-sourcing and community-driven moves.

Core concepts

Lead UsersUser Innovation CommunitiesFree Revealing

Best when

An engaged user base is already modifying your product
Weighing whether to open a design or platform

Watch-outs

Capturing value from freely revealed innovation is its own challenge