Innovation
Overview
What is the Innovation Domain?
The Innovation Domain represents the structured approach to creating, developing, and implementing new ideas, products, services, processes, and business models within an organization. This domain provides a framework for modeling innovation portfolios, processes, idea management systems, and experimentation frameworks, enabling innovation-centric analysis that drives strategic advantage, growth, and organizational renewal.
The domain extends the Orthogramic Metamodel by providing deeper insights into innovation practices, portfolio management, and experimentation methods, enabling organizations to align their capabilities, value streams, and strategies with innovation objectives and opportunities.
Purpose and Value
The Innovation Domain enables organizations to:
Structure and manage innovation portfolios with appropriate balance and diversity
Map innovation processes and methodologies across the organization
Support data-driven decision making about innovation investments and priorities
Drive continuous improvement through systematic experimentation and learning
Measure and improve innovation performance across multiple dimensions
Provide a structured foundation for innovation governance and optimization
Align innovation activities with strategic business objectives and customer needs
Core Concepts
Innovation Process
A defined approach for generating, developing, and implementing innovations from concept to commercialization. Innovation processes provide a systematic framework for transforming ideas into value.
Innovation Portfolio
A structured collection of innovation initiatives, projects, or ventures that represent the organization's innovation investments. Portfolio management enables balanced risk, reward, and timeline perspectives.
Idea Management
A systematic approach for capturing, evaluating, and developing ideas from internal and external sources. Idea management systems provide the fuel for innovation pipelines.
Experimentation Framework
A structured methodology for testing hypotheses, validating assumptions, and learning rapidly with minimal resource expenditure. Experimentation frameworks support evidence-based innovation decisions.
Conclusion
The Innovation Domain extends the Orthogramic Metamodel with a robust framework for modeling and managing innovation-related aspects of business architecture. By providing structured schemas for innovation processes, portfolios, idea management, and experimentation frameworks, it enables organizations to systematically align their innovation activities with strategic objectives and operational requirements.
The integration with the Strategic Response Model ensures that innovation insights drive strategic decision-making and organizational change. This domain complements other domains by focusing on the creation of new value and competitive advantage, providing critical context for strategic planning and operational execution.
Organizations can use this domain to develop a more comprehensive understanding of their innovation ecosystem, identify optimization opportunities, and ensure that innovation initiatives are properly resourced, managed, and aligned with strategic priorities.
Example Implementation
Example: Digital Innovation Portfolio Analysis
{
"innovationID": "INN-DIGITAL-001",
"title": "Digital Customer Experience Innovation Portfolio",
"description": "Portfolio of innovations focused on transforming customer experiences through digital technologies, data analytics, and emerging platforms.",
"innovationType": "business-model",
"orgUnitTitle": "Digital Innovation Center",
"orgUnitRoles": ["Chief Innovation Officer", "Digital Experience Lead", "Innovation Portfolio Manager"],
"innovationScope": "enterprise",
"innovationOrigin": {
"sources": ["customer-insights", "technology-exploration", "competitive-analysis"],
"primarySource": "customer-insights",
"originDetails": "Customer journey mapping revealed significant friction points in digital interactions"
},
"innovationStage": "scaling",
"innovationOwner": "VP of Digital Transformation",
"strategicAlignment": {
"alignmentLevel": "high",
"alignedObjectives": [
{
"objectiveID": "SO-2025-02",
"alignmentDescription": "Directly supports the strategic objective of creating industry-leading digital experiences"
},
{
"objectiveID": "SO-2025-04",
"alignmentDescription": "Contributes to data monetization strategy through enhanced digital touchpoints"
}
]
},
"investmentLevel": {
"annualBudget": "$12.5M",
"resourceAllocation": [
{"resourceType": "personnel", "allocation": "42 FTEs"},
{"resourceType": "technology", "allocation": "$5.3M"},
{"resourceType": "research", "allocation": "$1.8M"}
],
"fundingSources": [
{"source": "Digital Transformation Budget", "percentage": 65},
{"source": "Business Unit Contributions", "percentage": 25},
{"source": "Innovation Fund", "percentage": 10}
]
},
"riskProfile": {
"overallRiskLevel": "moderate",
"keyRiskFactors": [
{
"factorName": "Technology adoption barriers",
"riskLevel": "high",
"mitigationApproach": "Phased implementation with extensive user testing"
},
{
"factorName": "Legacy system integration",
"riskLevel": "high",
"mitigationApproach": "API-first approach with compatibility layer"
},
{
"factorName": "Customer privacy concerns",
"riskLevel": "moderate",
"mitigationApproach": "Privacy by design principles, transparent data usage"
}
],
"riskManagementApproach": "Monthly risk review with quarterly simulation and mitigation updates"
},
"expectedOutcomes": [
{
"outcomeName": "Enhanced digital engagement",
"outcomeMetric": "Digital interaction frequency",
"targetValue": "3.8 interactions per month",
"currentValue": "2.2 interactions per month"
},
{
"outcomeName": "Improved conversion rates",
"outcomeMetric": "Digital conversion percentage",
"targetValue": "4.2%",
"currentValue": "2.7%"
},
{
"outcomeName": "Increased customer satisfaction",
"outcomeMetric": "Digital experience NPS",
"targetValue": "42",
"currentValue": "28"
}
],
"timeHorizon": {
"portfolioTimespan": "2024-2027",
"keyMilestones": [
{"milestone": "Mobile experience redesign", "targetDate": "Q3 2025"},
{"milestone": "AI-powered personalization", "targetDate": "Q1 2026"},
{"milestone": "Cross-channel integration", "targetDate": "Q4 2026"}
],
"reviewCycles": "Quarterly portfolio review with annual strategic realignment"
},
"successMetrics": [
{
"metricName": "Innovation Adoption Rate",
"metricDescription": "Percentage of customers using new digital features",
"currentValue": "32%",
"targetValue": "65%",
"measurementFrequency": "Monthly"
},
{
"metricName": "Innovation ROI",
"metricDescription": "Return on innovation investment",
"currentValue": "1.8x",
"targetValue": "3.5x",
"measurementFrequency": "Quarterly"
},
{
"metricName": "Time to Market",
"metricDescription": "Average time from concept to deployment",
"currentValue": "9 months",
"targetValue": "5 months",
"measurementFrequency": "Per innovation"
}
],
"innovationBarriers": [
{
"barrierName": "Organizational silos",
"barrierDescription": "Functional silos impeding cross-functional collaboration",
"impactLevel": "significant",
"mitigationApproach": "Cross-functional innovation teams with executive sponsorship"
},
{
"barrierName": "Technology debt",
"barrierDescription": "Legacy systems limiting integration capabilities",
"impactLevel": "high",
"mitigationApproach": "Parallel modernization initiative with targeted API development"
},
{
"barrierName": "Risk aversion",
"barrierDescription": "Cultural resistance to experimental approaches",
"impactLevel": "moderate",
"mitigationApproach": "Innovation sandboxes with limited risk exposure"
}
],
"innovationEnablers": [
{
"enablerName": "Executive sponsorship",
"enablerDescription": "Strong C-suite commitment to digital transformation",
"contributionLevel": "critical"
},
{
"enablerName": "Innovation incentives",
"enablerDescription": "Rewards and recognition for contribution to innovation",
"contributionLevel": "significant"
},
{
"enablerName": "Technical talent",
"enablerDescription": "Specialized skills in emerging technologies",
"contributionLevel": "high"
}
],
"governanceApproach": {
"governanceStructure": "Innovation Council with business unit representation",
"decisionRights": "Portfolio decisions centralized, implementation decisions distributed",
"reviewProcess": "Monthly innovation reviews, quarterly portfolio reassessment",
"resourceAllocationProcess": "Annual base funding with quarterly adjustment opportunities"
},
"intellectualPropertyStrategy": {
"patentStrategy": "Selective patenting of core technologies and methods",
"tradeSecretStrategy": "Protection of proprietary algorithms and models",
"openInnovationApproach": "Selective open source contributions to build ecosystem",
"licensingStrategy": "Strategic licensing of non-core innovations"
},
"dependencies": [
{
"dependencyType": "Critical",
"domainType": "Capability",
"entityID": "CAP-DIGITAL-003",
"description": "Digital experience design capability"
},
{
"dependencyType": "Important",
"domainType": "Information",
"entityID": "INFO-DATA-004",
"description": "Customer behavior analytics"
}
],
"relatedInnovations": [
{
"innovationID": "INN-DATA-002",
"relationshipType": "enabling",
"relationshipStrength": 4,
"description": "Data platform modernization enables enhanced digital experiences"
},
{
"innovationID": "INN-AI-003",
"relationshipType": "synergistic",
"relationshipStrength": 5,
"description": "AI personalization capabilities enhance digital experience value"
}
]
}
Innovation Domain Schema
JSON Schema
See: Orthogramic_Metamodel/schemas/innovation.schema.json at main ยท Orthogramic/Orthogramic_Metamodel
Innovation Domain Attributes
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
innovationID | Unique identifier for the innovation element | "INN-DIGITAL-001" |
title | The name or title of the innovation | "Digital Customer Experience Innovation Portfolio" |
description | A detailed explanation of the innovation element | "Portfolio of innovations focused on transforming customer experiences through digital technologies..." |
innovationType | Classification of innovation approach | "business-model" |
orgUnitTitle | The organization unit responsible for this innovation | "Digital Innovation Center" |
orgUnitRoles | Specific roles within the organization unit that manage innovation | ["Chief Innovation Officer", "Digital Experience Lead"] |
innovationScope | Organizational breadth of the innovation | "enterprise" |
innovationOrigin | Source and genesis of the innovation | {"sources": ["customer-insights", "technology-exploration"], "primarySource": "customer-insights"} |
innovationStage | Current development phase | "scaling" |
innovationOwner | Individual or role responsible for the innovation | "VP of Digital Transformation" |
strategicAlignment | How innovation aligns with organization strategy | {"alignmentLevel": "high", "alignedObjectives": [{...}]} |
investmentLevel | Resources committed to the innovation | {"annualBudget": "$12.5M", "resourceAllocation": [{...}]} |
riskProfile | Risk characteristics of the innovation | {"overallRiskLevel": "moderate", "keyRiskFactors": [{...}]} |
expectedOutcomes | Anticipated results from the innovation | [{"outcomeName": "Enhanced digital engagement", "outcomeMetric": "Digital interaction frequency", ...}] |
timeHorizon | Expected timeline for innovation development | {"portfolioTimespan": "2024-2027", "keyMilestones": [{...}]} |
successMetrics | Metrics used to measure innovation performance | [{"metricName": "Innovation Adoption Rate", "currentValue": "32%", ...}] |
innovationBarriers | Obstacles to innovation success | [{"barrierName": "Organizational silos", "impactLevel": "significant", ...}] |
innovationEnablers | Factors that support innovation success | [{"enablerName": "Executive sponsorship", "contributionLevel": "critical"}] |
governanceApproach | How innovation is managed and governed | {"governanceStructure": "Innovation Council with business unit representation", ...} |
intellectualPropertyStrategy | Approach to managing IP from innovation | {"patentStrategy": "Selective patenting of core technologies", ...} |
Innovation Process Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
processID | Unique identifier for the innovation process | "PROC-DESIGN-001" |
processTitle | Name of the specific innovation process | "Design Thinking Innovation Process" |
processDescription | Detailed explanation of the innovation process | "Human-centered approach to innovation that integrates user needs, technology possibilities, and business requirements" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit that owns this process | "Innovation Center of Excellence" |
innovationID | ID of the related innovation domain entity | "INN-DIGITAL-001" |
processStages | Sequential stages in the innovation process | [{"stageID": "STG-01", "stageName": "Empathize", "stageDescription": "Understand user needs and context"}] |
stageCriteria | Criteria for progressing between stages | [{"stageID": "STG-01", "exitCriteria": "Customer needs validated through 20+ interviews", "evidenceRequired": "Interview synthesis document"}] |
processOwner | Individual or role responsible for the process | "Head of Innovation Methods" |
methodologies | Innovation approaches used in the process | [{"methodologyName": "Design Thinking", "methodologyDescription": "Human-centered innovation approach"}] |
toolsAndTechniques | Tools that support the innovation process | [{"toolName": "Empathy Map", "toolPurpose": "Visualize user attitudes and behaviors"}] |
participantRoles | People involved in the innovation process | [{"roleName": "Innovation Coach", "roleResponsibilities": "Guide teams through the process"}] |
timeframes | Duration expectations for the process | {"endToEndDuration": "12 weeks", "stageTimeframes": [{"stageID": "STG-01", "duration": "2 weeks"}]} |
resourceRequirements | Resources needed for the process | {"personnelRequirements": "Cross-functional team of 5-7", "budgetRequirements": "$50K per project"} |
successMetrics | Measures of process effectiveness | [{"metricName": "Process Completion Rate", "targetValue": "85%", "currentValue": "72%"}] |
processFlexibility | How adaptable the process is | {"flexibilityLevel": "moderate", "adaptationApproach": "Stage timelines can be compressed based on complexity"} |
Innovation Portfolio Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
portfolioID | Unique identifier for the innovation portfolio | "PORT-DIGITAL-001" |
portfolioTitle | Name of the specific innovation portfolio | "Digital Innovation Portfolio" |
portfolioDescription | Detailed explanation of the innovation portfolio | "Collection of digital innovations across customer experience, operations, and business models" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit that manages this portfolio | "Digital Innovation Center" |
innovationID | ID of the related innovation domain entity | "INN-DIGITAL-001" |
portfolioCategories | Classification structure for innovations | [{"categoryName": "Customer Experience", "categoryDescription": "Innovations enhancing customer interactions"}] |
balancingCriteria | Approach to portfolio balance | {"criteriaName": "Risk-Reward-Time Horizon", "criteriaDescription": "Equal distribution across risk levels, reward potential, and time horizons"} |
investmentAllocation | Resource distribution across portfolio | [{"categoryName": "Customer Experience", "allocationPercentage": 45, "allocationAmount": "$5.6M"}] |
riskDistribution | Risk profile across portfolio | {"highRiskPercentage": 30, "moderateRiskPercentage": 50, "lowRiskPercentage": 20} |
timeHorizonMix | Timeline distribution in portfolio | {"shortTermPercentage": 25, "mediumTermPercentage": 50, "longTermPercentage": 25} |
portfolioPerformance | Success measures for the portfolio | {"overallROI": "2.3x", "successRate": "68%", "timeToMarket": "Average 7.5 months"} |
portfolioGovernance | Management approach for portfolio | {"governanceBody": "Innovation Portfolio Committee", "meetingFrequency": "Monthly", "decisionAuthority": "VP-level approval for investments >$1M"} |
portfolioReview | Review process for portfolio | {"reviewFrequency": "Quarterly", "reviewProcess": "Structured assessment against strategic objectives and success metrics"} |
portfolioAlignment | Strategic alignment of portfolio | {"alignmentStrength": "high", "alignmentAreas": ["Digital Transformation", "Customer Centricity"]} |
portfolioSize | Number of innovations in portfolio | {"totalInnovations": 24, "activeInnovations": 18, "completedInnovations": 6} |
Idea Management Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
ideaSystemID | Unique identifier for the idea management system | "IDEA-SYS-001" |
ideaSystemTitle | Name of the specific idea management system | "Enterprise Idea Hub" |
systemDescription | Detailed explanation of the idea management system | "Digital platform for capturing, evaluating, and developing innovation ideas across the organization" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit that manages this system | "Innovation Center of Excellence" |
innovationID | ID of the related innovation domain entity | "INN-DIGITAL-001" |
ideaSources | Where ideas originate from | [{"sourceName": "Employee Suggestions", "sourcePercentage": 45}, {"sourceName": "Customer Feedback", "sourcePercentage": 30}] |
ideaSubmissionProcess | How ideas enter the system | {"submissionChannels": ["Digital platform", "Innovation workshops"], "submissionRequirements": "Problem statement, proposed solution, expected benefits"} |
evaluationCriteria | Assessment approach for ideas | [{"criterionName": "Strategic Alignment", "criterionWeight": 25}, {"criterionName": "Customer Value", "criterionWeight": 30}] |
prioritizationMethod | How ideas are ranked | {"methodName": "Weighted Scoring Model", "methodDescription": "Normalized scores across evaluation criteria with executive input"} |
implementationPath | Path to execution for ideas | {"pathDescription": "Ideas scoring >80 points enter innovation pipeline with sponsor assignment", "pathStages": ["Concept Development", "Business Case", "Prototype", "Pilot"]} |
participationMetrics | Engagement measures for the system | {"participationRate": "43% of employees", "submissionsPerMonth": "65", "activeContributors": "320"} |
successRateMetrics | Performance measures for the system | {"ideaImplementationRate": "12%", "averageTimeToImplementation": "7 months", "valueGenerated": "$4.5M annually"} |
recognitionApproach | How contributors are recognized | {"recognitionTypes": ["Innovation Awards", "Idea Implementation Bonuses"], "incentiveStructure": "Points-based system with rewards at key thresholds"} |
feedbackMechanisms | How feedback works | {"feedbackApproach": "Structured feedback for all submissions", "feedbackTimeframe": "Within 14 days of submission"} |
systemOwner | Responsible entity for the system | "Director of Innovation Culture" |
Experimentation Framework Element Schema
Property | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
frameworkID | Unique identifier for the experimentation framework | "EXP-FRAME-001" |
frameworkTitle | Name of the specific experimentation framework | "Rapid Digital Experimentation System" |
frameworkDescription | Detailed explanation of the experimentation framework | "Structured approach for rapidly testing digital innovation hypotheses with minimal investment" |
orgUnitTitle | Organization unit that manages this framework | "Digital Innovation Lab" |
innovationID | ID of the related innovation domain entity | "INN-DIGITAL-001" |
experimentTypes | Categories of experiments supported | [{"typeName": "User Experience Tests", "typeDescription": "Validate UX assumptions with target users"}] |
experimentDesignApproach | Design methodology for experiments | {"designMethodology": "Hypothesis-Driven Design", "standardFormat": "If we [action], then [outcome] will result because [rationale]"} |
experimentationRoles | Who is involved in experimentation | [{"roleName": "Experiment Lead", "roleResponsibilities": "Design experiment, analyze results, recommend actions"}] |
resourceAllocation | Resources committed to experimentation | {"averageExperimentBudget": "$15K", "timeAllocation": "3-week maximum duration", "resourceLimits": "No more than 2 FTEs per experiment"} |
riskManagementApproach | Risk handling in experiments | {"riskProfile": "Controlled exposure", "limitingFactors": "Customer impact, brand exposure, financial commitment"} |
successCriteria | Definition of successful experiments | {"successDefinition": "Clear, actionable learning that informs decision", "successMetrics": ["Statistical significance", "Cost per learning", "Decision-making impact"]} |
failureCriteria | Definition of failed experiments | {"failureDefinition": "Inconclusive results or invalid test design", "failureMetrics": ["Ambiguous outcomes", "Design flaws", "Insufficient data"]} |
learningCapture | How insights are recorded | {"captureMechanism": "Standardized Experiment Report", "distributionMethod": "Insights database with tagging and search"} |
scalingProcess | Path to scaling successful experiments | {"scalingCriteria": "Clear customer value, technical feasibility, business case", "scalingStages": ["Extended pilot", "Limited release", "Full deployment"]} |
governanceModel | Management approach for experiments | {"approvalProcess": "Two-tier system: <$10K delegated to lab director, >$10K requires committee approval", "reviewCycles": "Weekly experiment review sessions"} |
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