A learnable, structured framework for successful innovation projects that combines openness, creativity, and a culture of error tolerance with AI and systems thinking.
Experience Innovation of Tolksdorf.digital is based on twelve domains that describe innovation as a learnable, structured but open framework for action. They combine technological tools - especially AI - with human creativity, a culture of error and systems thinking. The fields of action help to make the success of innovation more likely in different contexts - from small improvements to disruptive reinvention. The model is based on findings from science, management theory and many years of innovation practice. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Definition of Innovation
-
Innovation is a holistically considered and evaluated change. It creates
- novel, sustainable business benefits for all parties involved
- technological progress
- user-friendliness
- AI provides tools for all project and implementation phases of innovations.
Innovation requires an inspiring guiding principle and open communication.
- “What is liked will be done. An innovation that generates positive feedback has the best chance of being implemented and having a lasting impact.”
- AI helps everyone involved to prepare for specialist dialogues, link knowledge, ask specific questions, and engage in the joint learning process.
Innovation can be learned and realized in all situations
- “Successful innovation requires curiosity, practice, structures – and the willingness to deal constructively with uncertainty and ignorance at all times and in all circumstances.”
- Free AI tools, open-source software, and structured approaches (lean innovation) enable innovative solutions even where resources are scarce.
Innovation is an ongoing joint task
- “Innovation is not a one-time goal, but rather an open attitude—implemented in a continuous innovation process.”
- AI supports innovation in reflective work with context, goals, and implementation.
Not all challenges are solvable, but they can be addressed
- „You can't solve a problem if you're not willing to have it.“ ~Bill Burnett
- AI helps those involved to view such situations not as obstacles that need to be resolved in advance, but as peripheral conditions that do not hinder progress toward a higher-level solution.
Innovation requires applied competence and artificial intelligence
- „The ability to predict the consequences of actions is what constitutes intelligence.“
~Russell L. Ackoff - ...regardless of whether it comes from experience, intuition, or machine learning.
Innovation and experience only grow together, guided by intelligence
- „Experience is the basis for innovation, and innovation in practice becomes experience.“
- AI has a dual effect on innovation: as a control mechanism for experiences and as a creative inspiration for innovations. Together, these two factors lead to viable solutions.
Innovation requires creativity, verification, and reflective intuition
- „Intuition can inspire innovation – but its power only unfolds in interaction with critical evaluation and verification.“
- AI accompanies innovation to develop and verify ideas – constantly switching between exploration, critical evaluation, and intuition based on large amounts of data.
Innovation is holistically linked to a system
- „You cannot optimize a system by looking at its parts in isolation.“
~ Russell Ackoff - AI can be used very effectively to optimize isolated systems. The creative and responsible optimization of the overall system remains the preserve of humans.
Mistakes are an inevitable invitation to improvement and innovation.
- Application model – Four stages of innovation
1.) Functional innovations: 1:1 replacement without changing processes
2.) Business area innovation: Optimization within an isolated department
3.) Cross-area/interdisciplinary innovation: Changes that connect teams, silos, or departments
4.) Disruptive pioneering innovation: Rethinking business models, markets, or technologies.
- AI can provide support at all stages.
Innovation can be encouraged but not stopped
- “Whatever is conceivable will be conceived.” ~ Unknown author
- AI helps to open up spaces for thought, search globally, name sources, and embed them in guiding principles. AI can also help to consciously deal with undesirable effects.
Innovation in an unpredictable future
- The future is uncertain – the context is a boundary condition, not a constant. Three possible scenarios for innovation planning:
1.) Everything is going according to plan..
2.) The whole context is changing, and the existing Plan 1 is completely inappropriate.
3.) Innovation planning free from constraints imposed by the current context. This can help with scenario 2. - AI can help analyze the current context and planning and support the search for robust new solutions.
References
Russel L. Ackoff,
Management and organizational theory
Management and organizational theory
Beyond Continuous Improvement (Systems Thinking)
Sir Dr. rer. nat. h.c. Karl Popper,
Philosopher and Professor of Logic and Scientific Methods
Philosopher and Professor of Logic and Scientific Methods
According to the scientific theory established by Karl Popper, progress in knowledge is achieved through trial and error (...) Falsificationism therefore assumes that a hypothesis can never be proven, but can be refuted if necessary.
Prof. Christian Spannagel,
Computer scientist and professor of mathematics and mathematics didactics
Computer scientist and professor of mathematics and mathematics didactics
How can AI language systems such as ChatGPT function as learning companions for students?
Bill Burnett,
Executive Director Design Program + Adjunct Professor Mechanical Engineering, Stanford
Executive Director Design Program + Adjunct Professor Mechanical Engineering, Stanford
Bill Burnett TED Session «5 steps to designing the life you want“
W. Edwards Deming,
Physicist, statistician and pioneer in the field of quality management
Physicist, statistician and pioneer in the field of quality management
- Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BCPdIHsPog
- The 5 deadly diseases
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehMAwIHGN0Y
Daniel Kahneman,
Psychologist and university lecturer, winner of the Alfred Nobel Memorial Prize
Psychologist and university lecturer, winner of the Alfred Nobel Memorial Prize
Daniel Kahneman explains what intuition really is
Rainer Tolksdorf,
Digital Innovation Mentor, Founder and Owner Tolksdorf.digital
Digital Innovation Mentor, Founder and Owner Tolksdorf.digital
- Professional practice and specialist lectures for Quadriga University, as well as contribution as co-author of “Market innovation requires a change of perspective." (Hardcover ISBN 978-3-946286-11-0).https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/68536346/
- Developer of ExperienceInnovation and founder of Tolksdorf.digital
https://tolksdorf.digital/profil-rainer-tolksdorf-de