Dere Rese

BTE302

Chapter 9-13 Review Questions

1. Describe an example of a prototype discussed in the book that led to a highly profitable innovation and product.

Jeff Hawkins on how he developed a PDA prototype by curving a wooden model.

He carried it around with him to all his meetings, pretending to use it as if it were the finished product. He’d “write” on it, care- fully taking it out of his pocket and putting it away, to the dismay of the engineers and marketers on his team. (p. 130-131).

2. The text suggests that innovation happens randomly, and that anyone can stumble across a new breakthrough. Do you think this might happen to you one day?

I think it can happen. It should not be completely dismissed. (p.134).

3. Do great ideas still need to be pitched or can they sell themselves? Offer an example from the text.

The Wrights spent six years pitching their idea to the governments of the U.S., France, Germany, and Great Britain, eventually selling an aircraft to the U.S in 1909 (p. 137)

4. Name one good innovation that, in your view, had many bad side effects (list what they were).

I think the blue tooth has just as many bad effects as the cellphone. It is still a destruction to drivers but it keeps the hands on the wheel.

5. The book suggests that one needs some expertise in order to innovate. How does the book suggest one to develop such expert knowledge before becoming an innovator?

6. What other prerequisites are there for one to become an innovator?

7. The author has included a transcript of a talk he gave in one of the assigned chapters. What was his main point (s) in that section of the text?

To outline the important steps of innovation.