Innovation is the fodder for a company’s survival and advancements. One of the biggest examples of this are Samsung and Toyato. These two giants which are today, known as the powerhouses of innovation started with the manufacturing of cheap copies of popular brands. But not all the innovations done by the global giants are “visible”, some are hidden deep inside the product and are used for improving the functionality of the product.
One of the biggest examples is the Apple iPhone. The company is often criticised for releasing the newer versions of their iPhones, without adding any new feature or innovation to it. While the contrary is true. Each new iPhone builds on its predecessor’s strengths, targeting existing customers with incremental improvements rather than reinventing the product. This strategy has ensured consistent growth and maintained customer loyalty.
Another big example of this is Toyota’s lean manufacturing system, introduced in the mid-20th century, is a classic example of invisible innovation. The focus on minimising waste and optimising production processes enabled Toyota to outpace competitors without relying on groundbreaking technological advances. This approach is still emulated across industries as a model of operational efficiency.
These innovations are known as “invisible innovations”, by definition itself these innovations are kept hidden from the consumers but play a significant role in improving the customer experience and building a solid market presence. Moreover, these low-key innovations focus on enhancing operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and improving scalability. This not only enhances profitability but also ensures consistency and reliability in service or product delivery.
While flashy innovations grab headlines, they often carry higher risks and may lack scalability for long-term success. Visible innovations are frequently labeled as feature-driven due to their focus on adding multiple new elements to a product, often capturing consumer attention. In contrast, invisible innovations focus on sustainability, affordability, and accessibility. These innovations often operate under the radar, but their ability to address real-world problems, streamline operations, and expand market access makes them indispensable for sustainable success.
A Mix of Visible & Invisible Innovation
As the demand for innovation intensifies, businesses benefit from blending visible and invisible innovation strategies. Incremental improvements, such as process optimisations, enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction, while strategic disruptions create new markets and drive competitive advantage. By aligning resources and risks with clear customer needs, companies achieve sustainable growth and market relevance. This dual approach ensures resilience, leveraging both immediate improvements and transformative opportunities to secure long-term success in dynamic industries.
