+353 1 902 3944
design@dublindesignstudio.com
Innovation: What People Need and How To Find It
Feb 26, 2020
As a marketer, business person, or artist you need to be innovative in order to stand out from the crowd, get new customers, and convince those customers to return in the future. But, what actually is innovation? It’s a word tossed around a lot but not defined very much.
In simple terms, it’s the ability to see, understand, and act on what others miss. Nick Skillicorn believes that innovation is, “turning an idea into a solution that adds value from a customer’s perspective.” Gijs Van Wulfen will tell you that innovation is, “a feasible relevant offering such as a product, service, process, or experience with a viable business model that is perceived as new, and is adopted by customers.” From these definitions we can see that innovation is something new and useful that sets you apart. Bringing it with you wherever you go means you can sketch whenever you want. This record of your work is a good motivator as you assess how your skills develop over time. So how do you become innovative? How can you find solutions for your customers that they will adopt quickly, and love you for? The key step is figuring out what your customers need and are searching for, then all you have to do is service that need.
How Do You Figure Out What People Need?
Figuring out what your customers need could be something they are already asking for or something they didn’t know they needed. It’s easier said than done. So, how do you go about doing this?
1. Talk to your customers. You can use comment cards or email follow ups to ask your customers what problems they are having that you can solve. If you run a face-to-face business, ask them directly. Develop reward systems for their feedback.
2. Get technical. You can use Google Analytics in conjunction with your website to see what search terms bring your customers to your site. You can then use those popular terms to research what else those kinds of people are searching for. Drawing conclusions based on these search terms can help you anticipate your consumers needs.
3. Observe feedback. Read comments on your website, social media, and review sites. Your customers may love you, but a few may state what would really set you apart from the competition in their eyes. Maybe many people complain about the same little things. How can you overcome those flaws in a creative way that will stay with your customers long after the interaction is over?
4. Consider other companies. Look at what the competition is doing. Perhaps there is a business or company that does the same thing you do, but they give customers a free gift when they purchase a specific product or spend a certain amount of money. Maybe they have a popular rewards program or some other value-adding customer interaction tool. Adopt a similar idea but try to find ways to increase the value. Look at the customers you deal with as a consumer. What do you really appreciate, and what do you value about working with them?
5. Know who your customers are. There are probably things you can offer your customers that they don’t even know they need. You can discover these needs by studying the people who are most likely to work with you. For example, if most of your clientele are small business owners who are just starting out, it may be a good idea to offer them resources they could find useful like an ebook or webinar.
Scriba is a revolutionary digital stylus that is ergonomically designed to comfortably fit your hand and uses unique Squeeze-Motion technology. Order here.
Articles
Strategies for Sustainable Home Design
Making more of less
Depending on your point of view, bungalows are either a cherished affordable house type that allowed homeowners of the 1970s the chance to realise the dream of owning their own home or the result of poor planning and insensitive sprawl, as epitomised by the cookie cutter designs of “Bungalow Bliss” which sold over a quarter-of-a-million copies; roughly one for every second household in the countryside. Times are changing, and as families grow, we increase our understanding of the environmental and financial costs of heating a home, and as lifestyles evolve, the need for additional space and adapting these dwellings becomes inevitable. Adapting these structures and embracing modernity doesn’t mean knocking them down and starting again. The concept of extending bungalows into contemporary dormer houses is gaining popularity. Here we explore the exciting opportunities of extending bungalows on tricky sites, offering a fresh perspective on creating modern dormer houses in Ireland. Utilising Challenging Terrain Ireland's diverse topography often presents architects with tricky sites. From sloping terrain to irregularly shaped plots, these challenges can be turned into design assets. Dormer houses perfectly adapt to such sites, as their design accommodates varying elevations and allows for creative use of space. By integrating well-planned dormers into the extension, architects can exploit the unique terrain to create stunning living spaces that embrace the beauty of the surroundings. Capturing Natural Light One of the standout features of dormer houses is their ability to maximise natural light. In Ireland, where weather patterns can be unpredictable, capturing ample sunlight is invaluable. Through careful positioning of dormer windows, skylights, and glazed walls, we can find ways to bathe the extended bungalow in natural light throughout the day. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of openness and connection with nature. Expanding Living Space The primary motivation behind extending a bungalow is to increase living space. Modern dormer houses take full advantage of this opportunity by offering versatile and spacious interiors. Homeowners can embrace open-plan layouts that seamlessly blend the old and new sections of the house. The addition of dormer windows and vaulted ceilings creates the illusion of more space and fosters an inviting atmosphere. Adapting to Growing Families As families grow, their needs evolve. Dormer houses provide a solution for growing families by offering additional bedrooms and living areas. This adaptability ensures that the extended bungalow remains a practical and cherished home for generations to come. We can strategically plan the layout to provide privacy and comfort, balancing communal and private spaces. Sustainable Design Choices In creating a modern-dormer house, there is the opportunity to incorporate sustainable design practises. By using energy-efficient materials and technologies, we can create eco-friendly extensions that blend seamlessly with the existing bungalow. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, can be integrated into the roof design, contributing to reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. Embracing Contemporary Aesthetics While preserving the charm of the original bungalow, the extension can embrace contemporary aesthetics. Modern dormer houses can feature clean lines, minimalist facades, and a mix of materials like wood, stone, and metal. The incorporation of natural elements ensures that the extension blends harmoniously with the Irish landscape, creating a visually stunning architectural masterpiece. Conclusion Extending bungalows on tricky sites to create modern dormer houses opens up a world of possibilities for homeowners. By thoughtfully integrating dormer windows, maximising natural light, and embracing sustainable design practises, these extensions can become unique and practical living spaces that cater to evolving family needs. As the demand for more space and modern living solutions continues to grow, the transformation of traditional bungalows into contemporary dormer houses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the architectural landscape of Ireland.