Innovation lies in the discovery of a solution that addresses a particular problem in the most efficient manner. The solution might not be the most technically advanced. The solution might not be the cheapest one as well especially where accuracy is involved. A more rounded approach is desired in that assessment and it is a little more complicated than expected.

The Pull Approach requires innovator focus on the problem statement and find a solution that works for it. The technology behind the solution is less important than the problem itself. Example – Tools ABC and DEF can be used to portray a set of data into a graphic representation. The problem here is that a set of data needs to be converted into a graphical pattern. The choice of tool ABC or DEF is independent. Both tools should be assessed and see which tool gives the best accurate result for which the customer is willing to pay.

Consider a developer who knows how ABC works and has no idea how DEF works. Using tool ABC he says that data can be converted into a graphical pattern. In this case, we are arriving at the solution to a problem without assessing whether it is the best approach or not. Here our knowledge base is clouding our judgment. While ABC might solve our problem, DEF might do it in a better way. This is Push Approach where using a known solution, we identify problems and resolve them.

It might sound unlikely, Push Approach tends to be more common than Pull Approach because any group of developers will have a bias. This hinders innovation and affects the quality of delivery. The requirement should drive the technology, not the other way round.

~S