The KT4TT Knowledge Base: The Researcher’s Resource for Innovation – Now
Including Tools!
August 22, 2012.
Text version of PowerPoint™ presentation for webcast sponsored by SEDL and KT4TT
Slide Template: Upper left, KT4TT logo: letters/number KT4TT with sine waves going
up and down around each letter, and a narrow arrow crossing the middle from left to
right.
Title slide: KT4TT logo in upper left. Additionally, upper right side, SEDL logo: Letters
SEDL each within alternating blue and green panels set at an angle, with the words
Advancing Research above and the words Improving Education below. Bottom left,
Logo: U with a B interlaced, slightly lower and to the right; with the words University at
Buffalo next to the top of the B, The State University of New York underneath and next
to the bottom of the B. Bottom center, logo: Large letter C with smaller letters AT inside
the curve of the C. Bottom right, logo: The letters NIDRR, with a circle broken into five
equal sections over the I. Underneath NIDRR are the words NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH
Slide 1 (Title): The KT4TT Knowledge Base: The Researcher’s Resource for
Innovation – Now Including Tools! Michelle M Lockett Center on Knowledge Translation
for Technology Transfer. University at Buffalo. http://kt4tt.buffalo.edu/. Webcast
sponsored by SEDL and KT4TT. August 22, 2012, 1:00 pm (Eastern) / 12:00 pm
(Central).
©2012 by University at Buffalo.
Slide 2: Agenda.
 Introduction of KT4TT – who we are, what we do & why we do it
 KT4TT Knowledge Base –
- What’s in it?
- How can it help me?
 Need to Knowledge (NtK) Game Board
 Tools
 Location of the Knowledge Base, including background literature for NtK –
(rationale and scoping review)
Slide 3: KT4TT Introduction.
 KT4TT – Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer
– Experience: nearly 20 years in evaluation and transfer of inventions to
marketplace (specifically in the assistive technology industry)
– Goal: to improve the socio-economic impacts of Federally funded
research & development programs
– Method: help sponsors and grantees address downstream industry
requirements during upstream R&D activities
Slide 4: KT4TT Knowledge Base – What’s in it?
• Need to Knowledge (NtK) Model
– Path to follow when intending to translate research discoveries into
commercialized products or services
• 3 Phase, 9 Stages, 9 Gates, 58 Steps, Many Tips
– Derived from the standard research process, principles of NPD, and
Knowledge To Action (KTA) model
• Supporting evidence of NtK components obtained from academic
and industry sources
• Tools
• Case study examples
• Customized search function
Slide 5: Knowledge Base – How can it help me?
• Demonstrates where scientific research and engineering development fits into
technological innovation with socio-economic impact.
• Provides a common framework for scientist, engineers and product managers to
efficiently plan, conduct and achieve socio-economic impact.
• Provides the necessary knowledge to help grow partnerships between sectors.
• Increases potential to transform R&D into commercial outcomes – ultimately
increasing socio-economic benefit.
[Standard Header and Navigation Links for screenshots: KT4TT logo and Center on
Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer is shown as the page’s header. Under
the header are navigation links for Home, Contact, Directions, and Search. The left
hand side of page contains standard navigation links for Knowledge Base, KT4TT
Home, Research Activities, Development Activities, Accomplishments, Publications and
Conferences, News and Personnel.]
Slide 6: KT4TT Home Page.
Screenshot of KT4TT home page. Below the standard header and navigation links, are
breadcrumbs showing the words, Home > Index. Below that is a title in red text:
Welcome to Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer. Below that is a subtitle in
blue text: Our Mission & Our Progress. Below that are two paragraphs: Funded in
2008, the Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer Center is focused
on improving the performance of those Federal programs intending to result in
beneficial socio-economic impacts by generating technology-based innovations.
Sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, our
primary target applications are devices and services for persons with disabilities and the
elderly. However, we are designing the project outputs to be relevant to policies and
practices for technology-based innovations in general. Our approach to both knowledge
translation and technology transfer is addressed in an open access paper in Assistive
2
Technology Outcomes & Benefits:
http://www.atia.org/files/public/ATOBV6N1ArticleTwo.pdf
The project team has nearly twenty years of experience in the evaluation and
commercialization of technology-based innovations. The following link is a summary of
the twenty-two devices brought to market in a prior five year period:
http://www.t2rerc.buffalo.edu/products/index.htm
On the upper right hand side of the screen shot is a title in blue text: News and
Highlights. Below that the following is shown: The latest edition of our KT4TT Update
newsletter is now available for viewing. Complete our online survey to receive regular
updates on the KT4TT program. SEDL's NCDDR sponsored webcasts of KT4TT
projects: Knowledge Translation in Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A
Randomized Controlled Study. Three States of Knowledge and
Their Implications for Innovation Policies
There is a red circle with a red arrow pointing to it around the first navigational link on
the left hand side, which is the word: Knowledge Base.
Slide 7: KT4TT Knowledge Base.
Screenshot of KT4TT knowledge base webpage. Below the standard header and
navigation links, are breadcrumbs showing the words, Home > Knowledge Base >
Index. Below that is a title in red text: KT4TT Knowledge Base. Under this title is the
following text: Welcome to the KT4TT Knowledge Base! Here you will find information
about the research, development and production processes involved in moving
knowledge from scholarly discovery, through prototype invention, and out to a
marketplace innovation. The content is NOT relevant to persons engaged in basic
research, but rather is intended to guide applied researchers and product developers
who intend to generate beneficial technology-based social and economic impacts. From
this page, you may do the following:
View the model:

Interactive (condensed) game board version - stages, gates and steps only

Informational (expanded) plain text version - also includes tips, evidence and
tools
Search the evidence base for information relevant to you and your organization.
View publications and resources
Provide feedback to the site and content developers.
3
There is a red rectangle around the words: Interactive (condensed) game board version,
with a red arrow pointing to it.
Slide 8: NtK Model – Game Board.
Screenshot of the full game board version of the NtK Model. Description is as follows:
There is a colored path broken into small segments for 9 stages, each with various
steps, and images of a gate separating each stage. Each gate has pictures of hands
showing thumbs up and thumbs down with a question mark in between the two hands.
The path moves through three different sections of the game board, from top to bottom
the sections are labeled Research - Discovery Phase, Development - Invention Phase,
and Production - Innovation Phase. On the interactive web page, the steps and gates
are further described when the segments are rolled over.
The path begins in the upper left hand corner, in the Research section of the board,
which is shaded blue and has a picture of a white tower in the background (Ivory Tower,
© 2010 Hideyoshi Ruwwe). The path through the research section of the game board
begins with a segment labeled Stage 1: Define Problem and Solution, which is followed
by segments labeled 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5. These segments are followed by a gate
posing the question "Idea screen?" The path continues from the gate onto a segment
labeled Stage 2: Scoping, which is followed by segments labeled 2.1 to 2.3. The next
gate reads "Feasibility screen?" Stage 3 "Conduct research and generate conceptual
discoveries" is the next segment of the path, followed by segments labeled 3.1 to 3.9.
There is one last gate in this section labeled "Begin invention phase?" An arrow leads
from this gate off to the right of the game board where it points to text reading "KTA for
projects terminated at completion of Discovery Phase." This label is followed by 7 boxes
in a vertical line reading 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G.
The next section of the game board, Development, is an orange shade with an image of
Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory (© Milena Mlynarska) in the background. The path in this
section begins with "Stage 4: Build business case and establish development plans"
followed by steps numbered 4.1 through 4.13. The first gate reads "Implement
development plan?" The next segment of the path reads "Stage 5: Implement
development plan," followed by numbers 5.1 to 5.4, and a gate reading "Go to beta
testing?" The last stage reads "Stage 6: Test and validate to generate prototype
invention" followed by numbers 6.1 to 6.4, and finally a gate reading "Go to production
planning?" There is an arrow from this gate leading off to a vertical column on the right
hand side of the game board. The column is titled "KTA for projects terminated at
completion of invention phase", and has 7 boxes labeled 6A through 6G.
The last section of the game board, Production, is a shade of green with a jungle image
in the background. This section of the path begins with "Stage 7: Production planning
and preparation," with segments following for numbers 7.1 to 7.13. The first gate in this
section reads "Go to launch?" There is an arrow pointing from this gate to the right of
the game board where there is a column of 7 boxes labeled 7A to 7G, and titled "KTA
for un-launched innovations". Following the go to launch gate, the path continues with
4
"Stage 8: Launch product innovation," which is followed by numbers 8.1 to 8.4. The next
gate reads "Post production assessment?" and is followed by "Stage 9: Post launch
review", numbers 9.1 to 9.3, and finally the last gate, labeled "Continue production?”
Slide 9: NtK Model – Game Board
Screenshot of the Discovery Phase of the game board version of the NtK model. Going
down the upper left hand side are the navigational links: KT4TT, Research Activities,
Development Activities, Knowledge Base, Publications & Conferences, News, and
Personnel. The top of the page shows the breadcrumbs: Home > Knowledge Base >
Need to Knowledge Model Game Board. Below that is a title in red text: Need to
Knowledge Model for Commercial Devices and Services. Below that is this paragraph:
The Need to Knowledge (NtK) model is a guide to innovation for technology-based
commercial devices and services. It connects the academic research process
with industry standards for new product development to improve the quality and
relevance of applied research project outputs so that they are more likely to generate
socio-economic outcomes and impacts. The NtK includes knowledge translation
concepts to improve communication and information sharing between parties in
academic, industry and government sectors.
Click on the path to learn more! Below and to the right of this statement are the links:
Text description of Game board and below that: See also the plain text model. The
middle and lower portion of this screen shot is the image of the research portion of the
game board, which is described as follows:
The path begins in the upper left hand corner, in the Research section of the board,
which is shaded blue and has a picture of a white tower in the background (Ivory Tower,
© 2010 Hideyoshi Ruwwe). The path through the research section of the game board
begins with a segment labeled Stage 1: Define Problem and Solution, which is followed
by segments labeled 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5. These segments are followed by a gate
posing the question "Idea screen?" The path continues from the gate onto a segment
labeled Stage 2: Scoping, which is followed by segments labeled 2.1 to 2.3. The next
gate reads "Feasibility screen?" Stage 3 "Conduct research and generate conceptual
discoveries" is the next segment of the path, followed by segments labeled 3.1 to 3.9.
There is one last gate in this section labeled "Begin invention phase?" An arrow leads
from this gate off to the right of the game board where it points to text reading "KTA for
projects terminated at completion of Discovery Phase." This label is followed by 7 boxes
in a vertical line reading 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G.
In this shot, there is a red oval circling around the boxes for Stage 1:Define Problem &
Solution and 1.1 and 1.2 and a red arrow points to the oval.
Slide 10: NtK Model – Game Board.
5
Screenshot of the Discovery Phase of the game board version of the NtK model. In
upper right hand corner are links for the Text description of Game board and below that:
See also the plain text model. There is a green rectangle around the plain text model
link with a green arrow pointing to it.
The same image of the research portion of the game board version that was seen in the
previous slide is seen here. This time the first part of the path which shows boxes for
Stage 1: Define Problem & Solution, 1.1 and 1.2 is outlined in a yellow highlight with a
think yellow arrow pointing to it. A white text box has appeared over the image which
reads: Stage 1: Define Problem and Solution
1.1
Opportunity for KT: Assess needs for device or service with input from relevant
stakeholders from the six knowledge user (KU) groups. 1.2 Identify a problem (need).
Identify audience for solution. Identify context for both.
More details available on our website.
There is another think yellow arrow pointing to this white text box. The next part of the
path, showing boxes for 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 is circled with a red oval with a red arrow
pointing to it.
Slide 11: NtK Model – Game Board.
Screenshot of the Discovery Phase of the game board version of the NtK model. In
upper right hand corner are links for the Text description of Game board and below that:
See also the plain text model. The same image of the research portion of the game
board version that was seen in the previous 2 slides is seen here, however instead of
the first three boxes being highlighted in yellow, the boxes for 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 have a
yellow outline around them and a yellow thick arrow pointing to them. This time we also
see a different white text box which now reads: Stage 1 continued. 1.3 Propose
plausible solution (goal) to problem in the form of a device or service. 1.4 Determine
scope of project (role); output as conceptual discovery, prototype invention or
device/service innovation? 1.5 Consider path to market. More details available on our
website. A think yellow arrow also points to this white text box. There is a red circle
around the Begin Invention Phase gate with a red arrow pointing to it.
Slide 12: NtK Model – Game Board
Screenshot of the Discovery Phase of the game board version of the NtK model. The
same image of the research portion is shown, however now we can also see the upper
quarter portion of the Invention Phase which includes: Stage 4: Build Business Case &
Establish Development Plans, 4.1, the word Development, stage 5 steps (5.1, 5.2, 5.3
and 5.4) and the first step in the KTA for projects terminated at completion of Invention
Phase, 6A. The Begin Invention Phase gate is now highlighted in yellow with a thick
yellow arrow pointing to it. There is also a different white text box that now reads: Gate
6
3: Begin Invention Phase? Does the discovery have merit on its face? If no, terminate
and go to KTA for projects terminated at completion of discovery phase. If yes, conduct
stage 4 to validate merit and worth.
More details available on our website.
The arrow that leads from the Begin Invention Phase gate to the KTA for projects
terminated is now brighter. There is a red oval around Stage 4: Build Business Case &
Establish Development Plans and 4.1, with a red arrow pointing to it.
Slide 13: NtK Model – Game Board.
Screenshot of the Invention phase of the game board. Description is as follows:
The next section of the game board, Development, is an orange shade with an image of
Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory (© Milena Mlynarska) in the background. The path in this
section begins with "Stage 4: Build business case and establish development plans"
followed by steps numbered 4.1 through 4.13. The first gate reads "Implement
development plan?" The next segment of the path reads "Stage 5: Implement
development plan," followed by numbers 5.1 to 5.4, and a gate reading "Go to beta
testing?" The last stage reads "Stage 6: Test and validate to generate prototype
invention" followed by numbers 6.1 to 6.4, and finally a gate reading "Go to production
planning?" There is an arrow from this gate leading off to a vertical column on the right
hand side of the game board. The column is titled "KTA for projects terminated at
completion of invention phase", and has 7 boxes labeled 6A through 6G.
There is also a yellow outline highlight around Stage 4: Build Business Case & Establish
Development Plans, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3. A thick yellow arrow points to these steps. To
the left of this is a white text box which reads:
Stage 4: Build Business Case and Establish Development Plans 4.1 Seek key codevelopment partners. 4.2 Propose draft solution. 4.3 Outline preliminary business
case.
More details available on our website.
A thick yellow arrow points to this white text box.
A red circle is around the Go to Production Planning gate with a red arrow pointing to it.
Slide 14: NtK Model – Game Board
Screenshot of the Invention phase of the game board. The background image is the
same as the previous slide. This slide highlights the Go to Production Planning gate
with a thick yellow arrow pointing to it. A white text box appears to the right of this
which reads: Gate 6: Go to Production Planning? Does prototype invention
demonstrate sufficient value to move on to production planning? If no, terminate and go
to KTA for projects terminated at completion of invention phase or reiterate. If yes,
conduct stage 7.
7
More details available on our website. There is a thick yellow arrow pointing to this text
box. KTA step 6 C , which is on the right hand side is circled in red with a red arrow
pointing to it.
Slide 15: NtK Model – Game Board
Screenshot of the Invention phase of the game board. The background image is the
same as the previous slide. Here we see that KTA step 6 C is highlighted in yellow with
a think yellow arrow pointing to it. To the left of this is a white text box which reads: 6 C
Assess barriers to use of the invention. Survey knowledge user to see why they may not
apply/use the invention.
More details available on our website.
There is a think yellow arrow pointing to this white text box.
Slide 16: NtK Model – Game Board
Screenshot of the Innovation Phase of the NtK Game board. The background image
description is as follows:
The last section of the game board, Production, is a shade of green with a jungle image
in the background. This section of the path begins with "Stage 7: Production planning
and preparation," with segments following for numbers 7.1 to 7.13. The first gate in this
section reads "Go to launch?" There is an arrow pointing from this gate to the right of
the game board where there is a column of 7 boxes labeled 7A to 7G, and titled "KTA
for un-launched innovations". Following the go to launch gate, the path continues with
"Stage 8: Launch product innovation," which is followed by numbers 8.1 to 8.4. The next
gate reads "Post production assessment?" and is followed by "Stage 9: Post launch
review", numbers 9.1 to 9.3, and finally the last gate, labeled "Continue production?”
In this shot, Stage 8: Launch Product Innovation, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4 are outlined in
yellow. To the left of Stage 8 is a white text box which reads:
Stage 8: Launch Product Innovation 8.1 Initiate production and launch device/service.
8.2 Monitor performance. 8.3 Provide device/service support. 8.4 Troubleshoot and
correct problems.
There is a red rectangle around this statement: More details available on our website,
with a red arrow pointing to it.
Slide 17: NtK Model – Text Version.
Screenshot of a portion of the text version of the NtK Model, beginning at Stage 8 and
ending at the first step of Stage 9. It is in a table format made up of three columns. In
the first column, first row, it reads Stage 8: Launch Product Innovation, with a
magnifying glass icon after it. Underneath it reads Point Smart Software example with
the picture of the PointSmart logo. Around the Point Smart logo is a green rectangle
with a green arrow pointing to it. Over to the second column,
8
it reads:
 8.1 Initiate production and launch device/service. With magnifying glass and
toolbox icons.
 8.2 Monitor performance. With magnifying glass and toolbox icons.
 8.3 Provide device/service support. With magnifying glass icon.
 8.4 Troubleshoot and correct problems. With magnifying glass and toolbox icons,
with a red circle around the magnifying glass and a red arrow pointing to it.
Over to the third column, it reads:
 Implement rollout. Magnifying glass icon.
 Provide technical support.
 Provides sales/marketing support.
 Monitor, review and correct technical and production design bugs.
 Sustain engineering including identification of alternative components in case of
discontinuance.
Down to the second row, reads: Gate 8: Post Production Assessment. PI or partner
reviews device/service performance to decide if/when to remove the device/service from
store shelves. Magnifying glass icon.
Down to the third row, first column it reads: Stage 9: Post –Launch Review with a
Magnifying glass icon. Below that there is a green rectangle with the words Coin-ULator example inside, a green arrow point to the rectangle. In the second column, it
reads:
 9.1 Continue production, monitoring and support. With magnifying glass and
toolbox icons.
Over to the third column it reads:
 Efficacy study/contextual research process.
Slide 18. NtK Model – Supporting Evidence.
The left hand side navigational choices read down as follows: KT4TT Home, Research
Activities, Development Activities, Knowledge Base, Publications & Conferences, News,
and Personnel. Breadcrumbs at the top read: Home > Knowledge Base > Step 8.4
related research. Below these is the title, Step 8.4: Troubleshoot and correct problems.
The following text follows below this title:
Navigate Findings

Primary carriers

Primary methods

Secondary barriers

Secondary measures
9

Secondary tips
Primary findings
Carriers
Failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) techniques help the design team to study the
causes and effects of product failures. FMEA specifies the various conditions the
product will endure, and tests, how it reacts under those conditions, allowing designers
to plan a product that will withstand a broader range.
Experiential. Authors' knowledge.
There is a green rectangle around this: (View full citation), with a green arrow pointing to
it.
Back to top
Methods
Continually observe and correct problems or errors made by team members to improve
the quality of decision making and implementation.
Literature review
(View full citation)
Slide 19: Quest for Tools.
•
Tools were needed to make the NtK model more operational
–
•
Tool defined as anything which makes the NPD process more efficient
and effective
44 tools drawn from original scoping review
–
Some steps of NtK were not represented
–
Lacked descriptive and action oriented information
•
Various sources sought to locate additional tools related to the steps of NtK
model
•
79 total tools are now represented in the Knowledge Base complete with full
descriptions and resource links
Slide 20: Categorizing Tools.
10
•
•
Tools were separated into 5 competency groups:
– Electrical engineering tools
– Material science tools
– Mechanical engineering tools
– Business tools
– Universal design tools
Information collected on the tools include:
– Type of tool
– Description and summary of application
– Relative advantages and disadvantages
– Any standards
– The knowledge user group who would use it
– NtK stage or step where it would be used
– Free and for purchase resources
Slide 21: KT4TT Knowledge Base.
Screenshot of KT4TT knowledge base webpage. Below the standard header and
navigation links, are breadcrumbs showing the words, Home > Knowledge Base >
Index. Below that is a title in red text: KT4TT Knowledge Base. Under this title is the
following text: Welcome to the KT4TT Knowledge Base! Here you will find information
about the research, development and production processes involved in moving
knowledge from scholarly discovery, through prototype invention, and out to a
marketplace innovation. The content is NOT relevant to persons engaged in basic
research, but rather is intended to guide applied researchers and product developers
who intend to generate beneficial technology-based social and economic impacts. From
this page, you may do the following:
View the model:

Interactive (condensed) game board version - stages, gates and steps only

Informational (expanded) plain text version - also includes tips, evidence and
tools
Search the evidence base for information relevant to you and your organization.
View publications and resources
Provide feedback to the site and content developers.
There is a red rectangle around the words: Informational (expanded) plain text version,
with a red arrow pointing to it.
Slide 22: NtK Model – Text Version
Screenshot of the beginning of the text version of the NtK Model
11
A red title reads: The Need to Knowledge Model for Commercial Devices and Services.
The following text follows:
The Need to Knowledge (NtK) model is a guide to innovation for technology-based
commercial devices and services. It connects the academic research process
with industry standards for new product development to improve the quality and
relevance of applied research project outputs so that they are more likely to generate
socio-economic outcomes and impacts. The NtK includes knowledge translation
concepts to improve communication and information sharing between parties in
academic, industry and government sectors.
How can The NtK Model help me?
Comments, Questions, Suggestions? We want to hear from you!
See also the interactive game board version of the model.
Follow the [magnifying glass icon] images to view supporting evidence for each entry.
Follow the [tool box icon] images to view tools related to each step.
[Magnifying glass icon]. (Please note: information provided here is different from
information provided under specific stages, steps, gates or tips, as it applies to the new
product development process as a whole.) Below this is a table which reads:
First row- Stage/Gate; Steps, Tips hyperlinks; Second row- Discovery Phase. Third rowStage 1: Define Problem and Solution; with a magnifying class icon immediately
following. Pill crusher example hyperlink and a picture of electric pill crushing device
shown have a green rectangle around it with a green arrow pointing to it. Second
column within this row contains the following:
 1.1 Opportunity for KT: Assess needs for device or service with input from relevant
stakeholders from the six knowledge user (KU) groups, with a magnifying glass icon
and a red toolbox icon immediately following. There is a red circle around the
toolbox icon and an arrow pointing to it.
 1.2 Identify a problem (need). Identify audience for solution. Identify context for both,
with a magnifying glass icon and a red toolbox icon immediately following.
 1.3 Propose plausible solution (goal) to problem in the form of a device or service,
with a magnifying glass icon and a red toolbox icon immediately following.
 1.4 Determine scope of project (role); output as conceptual discovery, prototype
invention or device/service innovation?, with a magnifying glass icon and a red
toolbox icon immediately following.
 1.5 Consider path to market, with a magnifying glass icon and a red toolbox icon
immediately following.
12
Third column within this third row contains the following:
 Limit disclosure of information regarding solution and document all original thinking
related to solution), with a magnifying glass icon following.
 Scope of project determines segments of KT4TT model involved with research
generating discovery, development generating invention and production generating
innovation level outputs, with a magnifying glass icon following.
 Consider resources, timelines, and partners when defining path to market, with a
magnifying glass icon following.
 Opportunity for Universal Design (UD). Be mindful that the problem might be shared
by others.
Slide 23: Tools – For Step 1.1
Screenshot of Toolbox results for Step 1.1. Standard Navigational links on left hand
side, as in previous slide. Breadcrumbs at top read Home > Knowledge Base >
Toolbox results for Step 1.1.The title below this is in red text and reads: Toolbox entries
for Step 1.1: Opportunity for KT: Assess needs for device or service with input from
relevant stakeholders from the six knowledge user (KU) groups. Below this the
following text appears:
Business Tools

Affinity Diagrams

Brainstorming

Customer Idealized Design

Delphi Method

Ethnography

Focus Groups

Internal Idea Capture System

Lead User Analysis

Netnography

One on One Interviews (customer visit teams)

Open Innovation

Team-Based Knowledge Work

Patent Mapping
There is a red oval circling around Lead User Analysis in this list with a red arrow
pointing to it.
13
Slide 24: Tools – Description Page.
Breadcrumbs at top read: Home > Knowledge Base > Lead User Analysis: Toolbox
entry
The title below this is in red text and reads Lead User Analysis. The following text
appears below the title:
Competency group: Business
Type: Process
Description: The Lead User Method is a market research tool. It may be used by
people seeking to develop breakthrough products. In contrast to the traditional market
research techniques that collect information from the users at the center of the target
market, the Lead User method takes a different approach. It collects information about
both needs and solutions from the leading edges of the target market and from
analogue markets, markets facing similar problems in a more extreme form.
Citation for Description: Lead user. (2011). Retrieved from
Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_user.
Units: Insightful data pointing towards the highest achievable operability of a new
product or service
Advantages: The main group of people who are using this tool are developing
breakthrough products. In doing so, this voice of the customer method captures the
most extreme customer data, hence leading to very honed design criteria.
Limitations: Can be difficult to schedule expert users. Some design criteria may be
unrealizable.
Target Audience: Top management, Marketing, R & D
Relevant to Universal Design: Yes
Stages and Steps:
1.1, 1.2
Free Resource: Von Hippels, E. (2011). Section 1: Innovation by users and lead users.
Retrieved from http://web.mit.edu/evhippel/www/papers/evh-01.htm.
Free Resource: Mammone, R. (2010). To find an unmet need, use lead user analysis.
Retrieved from Bloomberg BusinessWeek
website:http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2010/02/to_find_an_unmet
_need_use_lead_user_analysis.html.
14
Slide 25: NtK Model – Text Version.
Screenshot of the Invention Phase of the text version of the NtK Model.
Text appears in a table format with the top row being one cell merged across three
columns and reads Invention Phase. Below this in the second row, first column it reads:
Stage 4: Build Business Case and Establish Development Plans with a picture of a
magnifying glass icon next to it. Below this is a hyperlink: Lids Off Jar Opener example
with a picture of this device below the link. A green rectangle is around the link and
picture.
Second row, second column reads:

4.1 Seek key co-development partners. [Magnifying glass and toolbox icons.]

4.2 Propose draft solution. [Magnifying glass and toolbox icons.]

4.3 Outline preliminary business case. [Magnifying glass and toolbox icons.] There
is red circle around this toolbox with a red arrow around it.
Second row, third column reads:

Conduct more detailed marketing, technical and consumer assessments based
on refined idea for application of discovery. [magnifying glass icon]
Third row, second column reads:

4.4 Implement IP strategy in collaboration with technology transfer office or patent
attorney. [Magnifying glass and toolbox icons.]
Third row, third column reads:

Discuss IP protection options with technology transfer office/patent attorney.
Fourth row, second column reads:

4.5 Assess regulatory, and reimbursement requirements. [Magnifying glass and
toolbox icons.]
Fourth row, third column reads:

Develop understanding of design, pricing, and timing implications of requirements
imposed by FCC,FDA (510k), HIPPA, Medicare/Medicaid, etc.
Fifth row, second column reads:

4.6 Opportunity for KT: Initiate key co-development practices. [Magnifying glass
and toolbox icons.]
Fifth row, third column reads:

Identify and assess external partners. [magnifying glass icon]

Establish formal relationship with external partners. [magnifying glass icon]
15

Nurture relationship to ensure successful collaboration.
Slide 26: Tools for Step 4.3.
Standard navigational links shown on left hand side. Breadcrumbs at top read: Home>
Knowledge Base > Toolbox results for Step 4.3. A title in red text reads: Toolbox
entries for Step 4.3: Outline preliminary business case. The following text follows:
Business Tools

Product benchmark matrix

TRIZ

Competitor benchmark matrix
Universal Design Tools

Anthropometry (Human size)

SWiFT 9:2012 Universal Design for Energy Suppliers

Universal Design Product Evaluation Tools

Design Exclusion Calculator
Material Science Tools

Density Measurement

Electrical Resistivity

Hardness Measurement

Heat Capacity

Strain Measurement

Stress Measurement

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal Expansivity

Toughness Measurement
There is a red oval around Density Measurement with a red arrow pointing to it.
Slide 27: Tools – Description Page.
Breadcrumbs at top read: Home > Knowledge Base > Density Measurement: Toolbox
entry. A title in red text reads: Density Measurement. The following text reads:
16
Competency group: Material Science
Type: Measure
Description: Density measurement is a very important consideration when choosing a
material as it gives direct indication about how much weight is involved for a particular
size of device. Density = mass/volume. E.g. Density of water at 4deg Celsius is 1
Kg/Liter.
Citation for Description: Description by Authors
Units: Kg/m3
Advantages: It is generally a known characteristic of any material and hence can be
read directly off a data sheet.
Limitations: Not known what state a material is in - e.g. Mercury .
Regulations: ASTM International, Standards. (n.d.). Retrieved
from http://www.astm.org/Standard/index.shtml
Target Audience: Engineering, R & D
Relevant to Universal Design: No
Stages and Steps:
2.2
4.2, 4.3, 4.12
7.1, 7.2
Free Resource: Engineering ToolBox. (n.d.) Density, Specific Weight and Specific
Gravity. Retrieved fromhttp://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/density-specific-weightgravity-d_290.html
Free Resource: MatWeb Material Property Data (n.d.). MatWeb, Your Source for
Materials Information. Retrieved fromhttp://www.matweb.com/
Slide 28: In Summary.
• Many additions to the KT4TT Knowledge base including:
• A more condensed, graphical and interactive version of the NtK Model
• More tools, complete with robust descriptions and operational details
• More case examples at the stage level
• Easily identified icons for supporting evidence and tools
17
Slide 29: KT4TT Knowledge Base – Where can I find it?
KT4TT Home Page:
• http://kt4tt.buffalo.edu/index.php
KT4TT Knowledge Base:
• http://kt4tt.buffalo.edu/knowledgebase/
Slide 30: Background Material.
• The KT4TT Knowledge Base: Steps and Supporting Evidence to Improve Your
Process!, JL Flagg (Webcast on September 29, 2010)
• The Need to Knowledge Model: A Roadmap to Successful Outputs for NIDRR
Grantees, JL Flagg and M Lockett, FOCUS: Technical Brief #28
• New Product Development: Delivering Evidence of What Works, PDMA Global
conference on Product Innovation Management, October 16-20, 2010 Orlando,
Florida
• Modeling technology innovation: How science, engineering, and industry
methods can combine to generate beneficial socioeconomic impacts, Stone, VI,
Lane, JP, Implementation Science, 2012, 7:44.
• Translating three states of knowledge--discovery, invention, and innovation,
Lane, JP and Flagg, JL, Implementation Science 2010, 5:9.
Slide 31: Coming Ahead.
Three NEW articles to be published soon detailing the methods used in substantiating
the NtK and summarizing best practices– look for them on our webpage
(http://kt4tt.buffalo.edu/publications/index.php) over the coming months!
Slide 32: Acknowledgement.
This is a presentation of the KT4TT Center which is funded by the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education, under grant
number H133A080050. The opinions contained in this presentation are those of the
grantee and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Education.
The Center on KT4TT would like to thank Dr. James Condron, Dr. James Hubbard, Dr.
Eugene Coyle, and Dr. Gerald Craddock for their support of and contributions to the
research and documentation of tools related to the NtK. This transatlantic project was
supported by the Dublin Institute of Technology, University at Buffalo, and The Centre
for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority in Ireland.
18
Slide 33: Thank You for Joining!
For Questions:
•
Contact SEDL (during the live webcast) at 1-800-266-1832 or send an e-mail to
webcast@ncddr.org OR
•
Feel free to e-mail me anytime at mlockett@buffalo.edu
19