Because they need a solution sooner than most people, lead users have an incentive to create innovative products and services. (Image courtesy of Prof. Eric von Hippel and OCW.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Eric von Hippel
MIT Course Number
15.356
As Taught In
Spring 2004
Level
Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Highlights
15.356 offers videos of several course sessions, showing how this highly interactive class operates. The assignments page describes how students should approach writing their essays, which cover topics of their choosing.
Course Description
To prosper, firms must develop major product and service innovations. Often, though, they don't know how. Recent research into the innovation process has made it possible to develop "breakthroughs" systematically. 15.356 presents several practical concept development methods, such as the "Lead User Method," where manufacturers learn from innovative customers. Expert guest speakers present case studies that show the "art" required to implement a concept development method. 15.356 is a half-term subject.
Other Versions
Other OCW Versions
OCW has published multiple versions of this subject. 