Comments on: Innovation Without Imitation Is A Waste Of Time

By: Julius Campbell

Julius Campbell — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:15:27 +0000

Great post, Dayne. The concept of Innovation with Imitation reminds me of the Purpose Alignment Model developed by Niel Nickolaisen. You can read about it here:

http://bit.ly/dsmEx1

The model is a decision framework that helps you determine how to categorize your activities. In his model, he identifies “differentiating” activities and he suggests you approach these in an innovative way. He also identifies what he calls “parity” activities where you should standardize and simplify (or imitate).

The article I linked to is called “Breaking the Project Management Triangle” and it is about Information Technology project management.

By: Dayne Shuda

Dayne Shuda — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:32:52 +0000

Great example, Kara!

Music is definitely something people use styles to build off into their own unique (but inspired) sound.

By: Kara Sherman

Kara Sherman — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:42:40 +0000

Great post, Dayne. This correlates with the importance of comparing your band with other bands… your band imitates other bands while adding a dash of innovation to create interest and value. For example, it’s easy to market my band, Team Smile and Nod, to fans of Tender Forever. 9 times out of 10, her fans dig us. For that matter, sometimes I do this with songs. I’ll have an idea and try to write in the style of a musician or band that’s a big influence to me. Some of my best songs were created this way. Now, it will be interesting to delve deeper into this imitation/ innovation balance consciously. Thanks for the ideas.

By: Dayne Shuda

Dayne Shuda — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:03:48 +0000

Thanks Ross.

The iPad was definitely a form of imitation. Perhaps Apple figured they already hit a big home run and rather than doing it again they simply tried to improve it. We’ll see if it’s successful.

The iPad is basically an iPhone with supposedly an amazing 9.5 inch screen with super clarity?

By: Dayne Shuda

Dayne Shuda — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:02:19 +0000

I agree, Mike. We need the folks doing the repetitive work every day to make products and services profitable and useful.

I think we all do the repetitive stuff more than we think in our daily lives. I know that even thought I may convince myself that I like coming up with ideas and brainstorms, it’s the repetitive activities I do that really make things work.