Lead User Innovation Lab

Important results from the project

The project combined exploratory research and method development of the Interactive Institute and Veryday with IKEA´s research and business development. It had two main goals: - For the Interactive Institute and Veryday to combine experimental research with consulting expertise to introduce new human-focused methods and services for tackling the changing needs of businesses. - To introduce and explore the value of lead user and collaborative approaches in IKEA´s current business model as a means to improve the innovation process and provide more breakthrough products for people.

Expected long term effects

The project results in a strong set of refined methods and a ´playbook´ for dissemination in each organisation. In IKEA, the results influence three areas of the company: the (New) PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS (DPOP), which has been under development during the same period, the RESEARCH METHOD PORTFOLIO, and the newly formed URBAN BIKING AGENDA. Overall, we established a position on lead user identification, recruitment and involvement that is dialogic and includes context and behavior, rather than product alone. The collaboration also refined many process communication tools.

Approach and implementation

The project used a concrete ongoing project within IKEA - the Urban Biking agenda - to explore lead users and collaborative methods. It involved: 1. A Pre-study exploring urban biking and seeking out various types of (lead) users, and refining the understanding of user traits. 2. A face-to-face focus with stakeholders and users culminating in a 3-day lab in Copenhagen. 3. Engaging online communities in exploring biking practices and developing new concepts, & a final send-in design challenge campaign. The collaborative nature of activities enhanced learnings across organisations.