Readers Thought This Medtech Trend Was Just a 'Worthless Fad'Readers Thought This Medtech Trend Was Just a 'Worthless Fad'
Trivia Tuesday: In 2016, many in the industry chalked what medical device design trend up to just a passing fad?
October 15, 2024

Back in 2016, it was all the rage for companies focused on product design to carve out dedicated spaces to foster creativity and innovation. But, a survey of MD+DI readers at that time showed that a lot of medical device companies didn't have such spaces, nor did the employees want them.
In fact, many of the survey respondents said these spaces were just a "dumb" or "worthless" fad that got in the way of real R&D and innovation.
Today, at least some larger medtech companies do indeed have spaces intended to foster creativity and innovation, and at least some employees appreciate having them.
So, why were readers hating on design/innovation centers within the workplace back in 2016? Here are some of their direct responses:
Posers--innovation centers, "idea Olympics", and other "forced invention/innovation schemes" represent medical device management's gross misunderstanding what creativity is ... it's unfortunate that the industry seems to now be ran by those having little (to no) technical competence or understanding of the devices they manufacture.
I'm creative at my own desk.
Passing fad. Too much fooling around and not enough innovative ideas.
Innovation is determined by organizational culture and is independent of a "colored innovation center."
I personally don't think a design center sparks my creativity. I would rather leave the workplace and go visit another place. I find that this sparks my creativity. If I am confined to a room in the same building where we are slow to innovate, how can another room in the same non-innovative space strive creativity?
This is yet another wacky, management-mandated, passing fad in the tradition of others such as Quality Management, Six Sigma, Open Office (no assigned office areas), etc. These are all essentially failures that eventually lead to poor morale and lower productivity!
Passing fad, especially at large companies. We constantly see companies standing up "innovation centers" but not changing the fundamental way they handle product development. You can't just drop R&D teams into a snazzy new office space and have them innovate. You have to clear the decks and allow the teams to focus, without the distractions of their everyday projects. Either support a team whose only purpose is to innovate, or partner with an outside company. Expecting the team to be "innovative" on Monday/Tuesday and fight the never-ending R&D fires Wednesday-Friday is a recipe for disaster.
Still, there were some survey respondents who seemed excited about the idea of a design/innovation center at the workplace. Here are some of their responses:
I believe that they can create conversation which can lead to excellent ideas. At worst, it creates a comfortable environment in the workplace which leads to more productivity among employees.
They are essential to our business and we have had one in place for >15 years.
Maybe a fad but I still think they have some merit.
Not a good idea, a GREAT idea. Innovation centers are the solution to get a device to market faster, contain development costs, and develop a more market-ready product. With companies reduced in-house R&D capabilities and personnel, these centers are the answer for next-gen innovative devices.
About the Author
You May Also Like