What does it take to succeed in software innovation?
This is a big question that has many people’s attention. I’ve seen these kinds of questions asked in countless panels, presentations, and Q&A sessions, as well as other places, as we try to take AI and related advances to the next level.
If we think about it, it helps identify some of the ideas and trends behind some of the revolutionary technologies of our time… some that preceded the emergence of AI as the primary driver of change.
For example, there is the Internet. We had all the hardware and logistics in place before people (TBL, for example) had the idea of connecting all the servers in the world and browsing via hypertext.
This reminds me of Daniel Jackson’s words about the “recipes” for success in software innovation and what that means for our generation of AI professionals.
He cites the Internet, as well as Bill Atkinson’s HyperCard design (remember 1987?) as early examples of the fundamental connectivity we now take for granted.
He also refers to the iPod, WhatsApp and Zoom as other innovations that have taken place, not on the basis of technical progress per se, but on a “simple story” which he says can completely change the software.
Let’s take the last example, that of Zoom. Why has Zoom become so popular in the wake of the pandemic?
Taking Jackson’s theory, we look at why other companies weren’t the first to launch this sort of thing. It’s not just video conferencing that has pushed Zoom to supplant the competition and become a monolithic brand. In fact, as Jackson notes, we’ve had the technology for a while – you can go back to the old Dick Tracy cartoons!
What Zoom did have, however, was the ability to remove obstacles and streamline a user interface. In doing so, they brought to the forefront the concept of a simple (and inclusive) online meeting at the right time – when everyone needed these video conference meetings because of the coronavirus…!
But even without Covid, if we stick to this theory, Zoom was destined for greatness, as they took existing designs and made them more accessible and appealing to a wide audience of users.
This, he suggests, is the secret sauce.
Okay, so how do you do this? How do you make something “sticky” and make it unstick that way?
What about genuine demand, good concept and usable design?
A writer at McKinsey talks about “groundbreaking innovations,” emphasizing the importance of diversity, scaling, etc., and an “external perspective.”
Here are some more details, in which Tom White of The Scalers notes some key concepts, including giving people “thinking time,” creating a functional workspace, and embedding “permission to fail” into company culture.
All of this is instructive when it comes to building your software dreams and making them come true. Of course, there are all the details regarding funding and development, as well as the steps you need to take to scale. But if we think of innovation as being about creating access rather than developing new technologies, you see how people like Steve Jobs and others have made this kind of thing possible. And that’s important and valuable to our audience who are often looking to stand out in the world of technology!