Design driven technology innovation (DDTI) : applying design to steer technology development

This thesis aims at providing a methodology that can support companies in selecting and developing early technologies and, at the same time, discovering and seizing their full potential. Starting from considerations regarding the branch of research in which this study is placed, proceeding with an accurate review of the literature, I built up a conceptual framework of the current approaches companies and organizations adopt to research and develop a technology. To define a precise research direction I identified the objective of the analysis: the definition of a methodological approach, which is alternative to the current ones, to develop and valorise an early technology, together with a process to implement this approach, which companies and organizations need in order to reach the just mentioned purpose (i.e. developing and valorising early technologies). The methodology used to achieve these goals has been a multi-method research. In particular the initial phase was mainly focused on the deep analysis of the literature about: future studies and strategic intelligence about new, emerging and existing technologies; strategies of innovation with a focus on the innovation of product meanings. Simultaneously I took part to an European project, belonging to the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7): Light.Touch.Matters – Design driven development of touch sensitive luminous flexible plastics for applications in care & well-being. The main purpose of my attendance to this project has been to find inspirations and insights for my research and concretely testing and refining the approach and the process proposed. Moreover all the managerial and operational implications of the proposed process have been underlined and its pros and cons pointed out. In the end, this thesis provides two main outcomes: first of all a methodological approach that shows what are the advantages of involving designers within a technology development process; secondly a structured process based on the collaboration and interactions between all the partners involved in the development project and composed of iterations and phases that allows design to steer the technology development.