Discovery Lab
Homework 8
Proposal
Introduction
We are used to buzzwords such as revolutionary, disruptive, big data, synergy, etc. Oftentimes, these words mask the true meaning, impact and use of a particular technology, process or practice. They are confusing. For example, claiming that our product will help to reduce the digital divide leads to more questions than answers. What’s the digital divide? Who is divided? A more suitable claim could be: our product will help make media more accessible to those without access or the ability to afford high-bandwidth connections is a much clearer statement and one that answers more than it implies. The digital divide in this case is between those who have access to high-bandwidth connections, and those that do not or cannot afford them.
Our challenge is not just to produce a technology, but rather to produce one that solves a problem in a sustainable way. To fully realize this potential, we often need to convince others of the rationale and feasibility of our approach. This is because there are real costs associated with a particular plan of action — beyond the quantifiable costs, there are opportunity costs (the cost of not doing something) associated with undertaking a project that must be balanced against the benefits it could bring.
This cost-benefit analysis can be done in a variety of ways. Some firms require detailed analysis of the cash-flows that could accrue to the firm in the event the project is successful, which they then benchmark against the returns they could get from simply keeping the money in the bank or loaning it out. Others simply try and ensure that the project meets their strategic goals, while others simply go on a gut feeling. Regardless, one thing is certain to be required — you’ll need to propose your idea.
Instructions
A proposal can take many forms. In our case, we want to describe our project and imagine the next phase of our prototype, what could it become? What are the benefits it could bring?
In your teams, create a 5 slide presentation with that summarizes your idea answer the following questions, one for each slide:
- Who are you?
- What’s the problem or opportunity?
- Why should we solve it?
- What’s the source of innovation?
- What idea do you have?
- What’s your plan? How will you realize it?
Note: Your proposal cannot contain any of the buzzwords listed in this Wikipedia article
- Don’t be dazzled by the fancy stuff.
- Humble inventions can change the world if they’re cheap enough.
- Be prepared to answer the question: “To use this application well, what else needs to change?”
