In 1986 Eric von Hippel introduced the
lead user method that can be used to systematically learn about user innovation in order to apply it in
new product development. In 2007 another specific type of user innovator, the
creative consumer was introduced. These are consumers who adapt, modify, or transform a proprietary offering as opposed to creating completely new products. innovation in services, innovation in configuration of technologies, and finally the innovation of novel technologies themselves. While most user innovation is concentrated in use and configuration of existing products and technologies, and is a normal part of long term innovation, new technologies that are easier for end-users to change and innovate with, and new channels of communication are making it much easier for user innovation to occur and have an impact. Recent research has focused on Web-based forums that facilitate user (or customer) innovation - referred to as
virtual customer environment, these forums help companies partner with their customers in various phases of product development as well as in other value creation activities. For example,
Threadless, a
T-shirt manufacturing company, relies on the contribution of
online community members in the design process. The community includes a group of volunteer designers who submit designs and vote on the designs of others. In addition to free exposure, designers are provided monetary incentives including a $2,500 base award as well as a percentage of T-shirt sales. These incentives allow Threadless to encourage continual user contribution. ==See also==