Lead users concept in building design: its applicability to member selection in technologically innovative projects

The lead user concept developed by Eric von Hippel is perhaps the only formal method designed specifically for identifying innovators. This paper discusses the applicability of von Hippel's lead user concept in the architectural industry where technological innovations are necessary yet gravely...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:TQM magazine 2004-10, Vol.16 (5), p.359-368
Main Author: Intrachooto, Singh
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Americas
Architects
Architecture
Case studies
Collaboration
Complexity
Construction industry
Consultants
Consumers
Design
Designers
Energy
Energy efficiency
Energy use
Engineers
Formal method
Green buildings
Innovations
Management theory
Manufacturers
Studies
Technological change
Technological planning
Total quality
Total quality management
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Summary:The lead user concept developed by Eric von Hippel is perhaps the only formal method designed specifically for identifying innovators. This paper discusses the applicability of von Hippel's lead user concept in the architectural industry where technological innovations are necessary yet gravely scarce. In order to examine the applicability of the lead user method, a set of seven case studies of novel energy efficient solutions found in built facilities in Europe and North America were analyzed. The result of the study indicates that the method may not be suitable for identifying the likely source of innovation if the innovation does not focus on an individual's needs; combined efforts are mandatory to create the innovation; and the size and complexity of the innovation make it impossible for a user or an individual to deliver or to test it out on his her own. The concept of lead provider is introduced and several characteristics are identified.
ISSN:0954-478X
1754-2731
1758-6887
1754-274X
DOI:10.1108/09544780410551304