Now that I’ve given you a taste of what it means to implement the Subtraction method of S.I.T., we will begin to work with the Division method. Although in an earlier blog, I introduced Division, I didn’t go into excessive detail. Now I will share with you some more specifics so we can have real tools in our innovation toolbox.
There are three types of division – functional, physical and preserving.
1. Preserving Division is used when you divide a product into smaller chunks to create smaller versions of itself. The best example of preserving division would be a timeshare. Instead of being forced to purchase an entire home, you can now purchase the home for only a week. The owners have inherently divided up the home into 52 bite size chunks.
2. Functional Division is used when you carve out specific functions of a product and position them somewhere else. For example, in year’s past, when you went to the airport, you would need to do the entire check in process at the airport (print your boarding pass, check your luggage). Now, thanks to Division, some of that process can be done at home.
3. Physical Division is used when you physically cut a product into pieces along any random line. Think about it. This is how puzzles were invented. Another example would be an immersion blender that comes with different attachments.
When trying to innovate, you would select the Division template when trying to reimagine a process or program, or trying to offer a mini version of a full product. Let’s start with Preserving Division and put it into practice.
So, you’d like to innovate your refrigerator?
Yes.
Okay, what are its components?
The compressor, the shelves, the lights, the door, the drawers, the ice maker…
Okay great. Which one would you like to innovate?
The door.
Great. Think about how you can divide the door?
Well I can either divide the door into sections, each one accessing a different part or I can have multiple little doors.
What would be an advantage of having multiple doors?
Well it would be nice to be able to just grab the milk out of the fridge without opening it entirely. It would keep the air temperature more consistent. I think it would be the same if I just wanted to throw in a few products quickly when I was short on time.
Or maybe one door can have a lock on it so I can store alcohol and medicines in there without worrying about others getting into them?
Great idea!
How about innovating the lights?
Well, I could have many little lights instead of one main one.
And what would be the benefit?
The smaller lights can light up different parts of the fridge. It would be nice to have a bulb in the back so random items wouldn’t get lost and eventually moldy. Or maybe each bulb has different properties and some of them distribute heat/cooling differently?
Terrific. You’re definitely catching on.
I hope the Preserving Division method has helped you think of your fridge in ways you never would have before.
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