Lab Notebook: an example to illustrate Invention vs Innovation and 10X

This example can be added to the 2nd edition of Scalable Innovation or elsewhere:

So he [Steve Jobs] explains it, and he says, ‘You know, [the Xerox mouse] is a mouse that cost three hundred dollars to build and it breaks within two weeks. Here’s your design spec: Our mouse needs to be manufacturable for less than fifteen bucks. It needs to not fail for a couple of years, and I want to be able to use it on Formica and my bluejeans.’ (ref: Gladwell, M. Creation Myth. The New Yorker, May 16, 2011).

The Xerox mouse was an invention with an innovation potential. Steve Jobs was able to organize an effort to realize the potential, i.e. create the innovation. Xerox just couldn't do it at all (see the failed Alto attempt).

Source: Scalable Innovation. Fig P.4.

Also, note Jobs' exponential (10X) thinking: from two weeks to two years; from special pads to common surfaces.

tags: creativity, innovation, invention, 10X, example