Enhancing Business Innovation: A Review of the Impact of Design Methods

Abstract

Design methods for business innovation have become popular, yet research gaps about their true potential persist. Upon reviewing the literature on design thinking for business innovation, we identify five key themes, (1) the creation of technological differentiation, (2) how design methods help in the introduction of business innovation strategies, (3) how designers can translate ideas into concepts for business innovation, (4) how the concept of design as research leads to innovative business, and (5) the contribution of designers in introducing new design methods while implementing innovative business. Complementarily, we identified six factors that determine the effectiveness of design methods: organizational culture, resources, capabilities, industry dynamics, competition, and regulations. Also, the social and situational nature of design, should be considered in the co-evolution of tech products, services, and models. Our research provides a valuable starting-point for business innovation researchers, regardless of their expertise in design, organizational research, or business innovation management.