We often think that great new ideas get adopted rapidly. Unfortunately, this is untrue. In order to innovate effectively, we must understand the role that time plays in innovation.
Mary Meeker’s annual report on internet trends shows how the market for smartphone operating systems has been completely transformed in eight years. This holds some important innovation lessons.
When we try something completely new, people often want to see proof that it will work. Of course, there is no proof if the idea is genuinely new. Instead of proof, we have to rely on weak signals. Successful innovators find these and amplify them.
Change is one constant in business. The evolution of operating system market share demonstrates some important lessons for innovating in a constantly shifting environment.