Spotting an Innovation Gap

Discovering a space to develop a new to the world product

Melville Bissell invented the patented “carpet sweeper” to solve his wife’s cleaning hassles in 1876. Today, Bissell has continued the tradition of solving real world problems with ground-breaking solutions. Bissell wanted to continue their strong tradition of leadership in their industry. Their task was to invent the future of the deep cleaner category so that they could continue being at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in cleaning solutions.

Process

Their plan was first to better understand the current trends and technologies available by doing an environmental scan and compilation of data from their own and other available research sources. Also, by conducting Delphi (trend experts) interviews they gained insights into the direction of consumer behavior, needs and wishes. Bissell and Innovation Focus took the knowledge learned from these research processes to an Innovation Cycle, led by an IF facilitator, where they brainstormed new ideas for the deep cleaner category. IF used their rapid imaging technique to capture and illustrate the ideas and concepts being generated from the session.

 

Awards

The SpotBot has been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show as well as HGTV’s “I Want That!”.  Good Housekeeping also recognized the SpotBot for the “Good Buy” award in 2006.

 

Bissel, http://www.bissell.com