Share Your Idea: Connect With Brands & The World

The Value of Unconventional Thinking

As Albert Einstein famously stated, "If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it." This observation holds significant weight. A review of history reveals that many groundbreaking inventions originated as seemingly outlandish concepts.

Consider these innovations simply as ideas, stripped of their eventual success and the clarity of hindsight. They would likely appear quite unbelievable, even preposterous, wouldn't they?

Therefore, ideas can be viewed as opportunities that initially present themselves in unconventional forms.

A More Tolerant Modern Era

Fortunately, in the present day, proposing ideas like a heliocentric model of the solar system won't lead to persecution. The ability to share concepts has become significantly easier.

An idea can now facilitate travel across vast distances, potentially leading to the development of new products or improvements to the world around us.

Previously, we explored methods for fostering innovative ideas. Now, we will examine platforms where these ideas can be shared and potentially realized.

Companies That Welcome New Ideas

Several established organizations actively solicit contributions from the public. Whether motivated by profit or a genuine desire for progress, the following five companies offer avenues for submitting your concepts.

Platforms for Idea Submission

• These companies provide opportunities to contribute to their innovation pipelines.
• They represent potential outlets for bringing your ideas to fruition.

Exploring these options can provide a pathway for turning your unconventional thoughts into tangible outcomes.

Dell [No Longer Available]

Dell operates without utilizing traditional intermediaries, selling computers directly to consumers. This direct-sales model extends to their approach regarding innovation and product development.

Idea Storm: Dell's Innovation Platform

Idea Storm functions as Dell’s dedicated platform for crowdsourcing ideas and collaborative brainstorming. The goal is to enhance the computing experience for users.

Currently, the database contains close to 18,000 submissions. Notably, over 500 of these ideas have already been successfully integrated into Dell’s products and services.

Storm Sessions: Focused Brainstorming

The platform also features Storm Sessions, which are targeted requests for ideas centered on specific needs or themes.

These Storm Sessions are conducted within defined timeframes to encourage focused participation and rapid idea generation.

Importantly, participation in Idea Storm is open to the public. A customer relationship with Dell is not a prerequisite for contributing ideas.

Intel Innovators Program – A Gateway for Emerging Ideas

The Intel Innovators program provides a connection to the Facebook platform. This Intel-developed Facebook application serves as an entry point to a vibrant network of aspiring innovators and idea creators.

This program operates on a defined timeframe, actively seeking novel concepts and recognizing outstanding submissions with awards. While the most recent selection phase has concluded, future opportunities are anticipated. Staying informed about announcements is recommended.

Success Stories and Potential Rewards

Recently, two participants were awarded $50,000 each for presenting their concepts to a distinguished panel comprised of venture capitalists, industry leaders, and technology entrepreneurs. Beyond monetary gain, success within the program offers significant exposure and potential advancement.

Interested individuals should carefully review the submission criteria and await the launch of the next application round.

A Notable Innovation: Kinecthesia

One particularly compelling idea presented was Kinecthesia. This is a low-cost, easily transportable, and intuitive device designed to aid individuals with visual impairments in navigating their surroundings.

Kinecthesia aims to provide enhanced mobility and independence for the visually challenged, offering a practical solution for everyday navigation challenges.

Google

The core philosophy at Google centers around innovation and the power of ideas. This is reflected in their well-known 80/20 work culture, which prioritizes employee-driven projects.

A dedicated platform, the Google Product Ideas page, allows users to both explore submitted suggestions and contribute their own concepts for improvement.

Current Idea Platforms

Currently, the platform showcases opportunities to contribute to four distinct Google products.

• While submissions are closed for Google Places and Google Docs Product Ideas, complete archives of past suggestions remain accessible.
• Active idea collection is ongoing for YouTube Partner Product Ideas.
• Product Ideas for Google Scribe are also currently being accepted.

Google’s commitment to crowdsourcing extends beyond this dedicated page. The company frequently hosts contests centered around its products.

A prime example of this collaborative approach is the Google Doodle, which is often designed through public participation.

An Interesting Concept

One particular idea caught my attention: the potential creation of a Google Docs Labs environment.

This would involve introducing experimental features, not yet fully polished, that users could selectively enable or disable, providing valuable feedback during development.

IBM

IBM is widely recognized within the business world for its Jams. These are large-scale, global brainstorming events conducted online.

Participants are drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds, including business professionals, academics, technologists, and members of the public.

The Power of Collective Innovation

IBM’s approach to innovation, leveraging a cross-disciplinary perspective, has proven remarkably effective. According to IBM, the 2006 online Jam session, which engaged over 150,000 individuals from 104 countries and 67 companies, directly led to the launch of 10 new businesses!

Information regarding upcoming Jam events can be found on the IBM website.

The following video provides further insight into the Jams initiative.

Jam Insights from Liam Cleaver

In the video, Liam Cleaver, Program Director for Jams and the Collaborative Innovation program office, details the nature of Jams.

He also explains how these events can facilitate transformative change within an enterprise, an entire industry, or a broader ecosystem.

Starbucks

Sometimes, the generation of concepts benefits from a stimulating beverage like caffeine. Let's conclude by examining Starbucks as an example. This internationally recognized brand maintains a dedicated platform for idea submission.

A review of their platform reveals that submitted concepts encompass the full spectrum of the coffee experience. These range from suggestions for complimentary beverages to initiatives addressing ethical concerns like the prevention of child labor.

Idea Organization

The submitted ideas are systematically categorized for easy navigation. Furthermore, the “Ideas in Action” section details concepts that have been successfully implemented.

It’s important to note that Starbucks is not alone in leveraging the social web for collective intelligence. Companies such as Kellogg's, Airbus, Unilever, and LEGO are also actively engaged in this practice, among others.

Perhaps you are aware of additional brands utilizing similar strategies?

The Power of Open Innovation

A defining characteristic of the 21^st Century is the ease with which ideas can be disseminated globally. Social media has transformed the collective wisdom of the public into a potent force, comparable to the principles of democracy.

Whether referred to as open innovation or crowdsourcing, an idea possesses significant catalytic power in the modern landscape.

Do not restrict your concepts to internal consideration. Share them publicly. If you lack the resources to develop an idea yourself, allow others to explore its potential – prevent it from being lost.

Ultimately, the question remains: do you have an idea waiting to be shared?