Dispensing the myths of innovation with iPhone 3.0

Touch screen had been around for years before the iPhone, yet it generally failed to provide an instant feedback to the users' control. One of the milestones of the iPhone is the fluidity and sensitivity of its touchscreen control. Technological development alone cannot achieve such attributes.

Meticulous tuning is required for the maker to calibrate the control mechanism to the precise feeling and texture. Apple's CEO Steve Jobs' famed punishing attention to details is no doubt a major reason behind the smartphone's success.

The application of this touchscreen technology dispenses the second myth of innovation, that originality is the result of random inspiration, a lighting of the bulb above one's head. Creativity is hard work.

The third myth of innovation is that it can only be achieved by professionals or resourceful organizations. One of the most significant propellers of iPhone's success obviously came as a surprise even to Apple. Along with the release of the iPhone, Apple provided third-party developers (i.e. any person) with the ability to design application programs for the smartphone.

More importantly, Apple set up a platform on its online music store for these developers to provide their applications, which are called apps, for free or for sale. An explosion of apps ensued. A total of 50,000 apps were produced in two years, attracting more than one billion downloads.

The proliferation of these application programs achieves what no technology can ever do: It keeps the iPhone fresh and relevant by constantly adding possibilities to a technologically fixed machine. By inviting people to share its technology (the iPhone hardware and the development tools), Apple tapped in their unlimited creativity to maintain the iPhone's momentum.

The focus on the integration of technology instead of pursuing the most advanced functions, hard work, attention to details, and the welcoming of amateur creativity are the secrets behind the iPhone's success. It serves as a vivid reminder for organizations and governments that are often obsessed by numbers as the most important factor in their search for innovation.

1|2

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos Respond to this email