Service
Idea creation and implementation
for innovation
Concept Design
As preparation for the creation of ideas, we will investigate while maintaining a balance between the point of views of human-centric, science, and technology. For example, consumer interviews and indication incidents sensing at social change survey to extreme users, perform the research and analysis of changes in social scenes when a particular advanced technology becomes popular. Then, capturing the social scene and the needs of the manifested future, the abstract opportunity area and specific needs hypothesis is set, and a conceptual idea of products and services is created in order to solve such. Regarding idea creation, we utilize analogy thoughts and i.lab’s own idea variable forcibly on methodologies.
Prototyping
Shape and function as a product of ideas, an overview of the interface (=product prototype) along with the assumed user image idea (=user prototype), flow of usage scene and experience (=experience prototype) are formed in the early stages. Then, using these multiple prototypes, discuss these while presenting the idea to an assumed user, and get constructive feedback for quality improvement of the idea. Examine the feedback, make another prototype, and conduct an interview. By repeating this process, the contours and the value of the idea will become more clarified.
Strategy Planning
As ideas become more and more innovative, the gimmick needs to be more elaborate to enable delivery and diverse spread of use among the users. In order to realize the idea, not only are detailed design ideas planned, but creation of an organizational structure within a company towards realization, building a business model which includes cooperation with partner companies, and development of research and development strategies are conducted. For this process, it is useful to periodically repeat the work verification process with the hypothetical development of the business model. After that, brand strategy building, such as development of a business plan, creation of inclusive ideas with a holistic and strategic view is necessary for realization.
Usually, it will be implemented as a hands-on project of about 6 months.
Vision formulation and problem solving
for innovation
Research Vision
i.lab has rich experience in research and analysis in advanced technology fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence, IoT, and health care. We conduct a survey analysis from the viewpoint of not only science and technology but from a human and society viewpoint on how these advanced technology which has attracted attention in recent years affect our life. When developing a strategy of long-term research and development, we recommend once more deepening the discussion of the essence of value from the side of the person who holds the technology from the viewpoint of humans, and society.
Brand Strategy
At i.lab, we are also rebuilding the brand strategy of existing products and services. For example, we structurally organize and analyze the value as a product and service feature from the company side and from the user side. Next, in order to continue to convey produced the charm of the identified products and services, leverage keywords and visual, and re-design the brand with an entirely new view. We will also come up with concrete ideas on how to further strengthen the brand.
User Experience Design
In mature countries not limited to Japan, the consumption of time and money for consumers is moving from things to incidents. The contents of the ideas i.lab produces are also not just things but also covers incidents as well. Image of the users using the product and other people involved in the experience, experience flow, subsequent behavior habits and values changes are under consideration, and our services extend to the design of these incidents as well. At i.lab, even for products and services already released to the market, will conduct consulting of user experience analysis and problem-solving.
Usually, independently for each issue theme, and conducted as a hands-on project for about 4 months.
Creating mechanisms
for innovation
Innovation Consulting
Focus on creating and building framework for free-standing and continuously innovative products, services along with businesses, and perform consulting based on practical knowledge on overall project structure, initiative cases, and specific business contents. While respecting the past efforts of the client company, place importance also on learning from the best practice of other companies which i.lab had researched and analyzed, and then design a new mechanism.
Mentoring
For the ideas of new products, services and business that companies produce, often there is a tendency to push out to the front the use of management resources with a focus on good technology, and where the value set on the viewpoint of the user is weak. i.lab will use the extensive knowledge obtained in people and home interviews and what was observed in field observations to support as a mentor, the quality improvement of ideas from the user's viewpoint.
Usually, will have the opportunity of regular discussions for about 3 to 6 months.