Waxbook: a web service for bi-directional knowledge transfer between lead users and users
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Umeå universitet - Institutionen för informatik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 400 000 |
| Project duration | December 2012 - November 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to increase knowledge about lead users, users and digital services, and whether and how continuous innovation can be realized through the development of a new service. The project has resulted in an innovative service (waxbook.se) by combining a lead user perspective with crowd-based logics. The process shows that digital technology in relation to lead users bring new opportunities and challenges, including demands for diversified competences in project teams, and opportunities for continuous innovation through combination of different forms of innovation.
Results and expected effects
The digital service developed within the project constitutes a clear example of how the lead user method can be advantageously combined with other innovation logics to provide a digital environment in which bidirectional knowledge transfer can be achieved. A key insight from the development process is the need for a diverse mix of skills in the underlying project organization in order to facilitate both the translation of visions from lead users to digital manifestations, and the combination of lead user innovation with other innovation logics and user groups.
Approach and implementation
The lead user method is a proven and comprehensive innovation logic with documented merits. The method has previously been applied primarily in traditional product development with a focus on unidirectional knowledge flows. The implementation of this project has however made it clear that the method also is relevant regarding service development, but also, that it in many respects is time consuming. Furthermore, when coupled with digital technology, innovation processes based on this logic include complex communication challenges in the form of for example project coordination.