Creativity is excellent when people see that they are on a mission. When an important work is being done, creative thinking is geared towards solving the problem that flourishes. Creativity is unlikely, especially when people feel that they are not a treadmill (Amabile, 2002). Having this in mind, the pressure of time serves as a motivator. To the entire team.
The advantage is that Boyle did not get worried by the challenging deadline since IDEO could not meet the demanding deadlines. Some two-party developers did express interest in developing add-on devices for the proposed visor. Furthermore, IDEO is an innovative company that is armed with tools of faster prototyping, brainstorming well-structured product development process. Disadvantage shows that the Handspring project also requires Boyle’s team to keep the rest of IDEO, in the dark about the project. This brings uncomfortable moments, especially during informal conversations with the other colleagues.
Try to persuade Handspring’s Management to Change its Aggressive Launch Schedule? Changing the Handspring’s aggressive launch schedule is the best idea. The IDEO team sometimes can have great suggestions with the idea, but if they are not able to brilliantly convey the design and the idea finally becomes beneficial, especially in a monetary way (Farrel, 2007). Besides, when the team has a clear and concise message that supports the idea and delivers it in a way that avoids relaying mixed messages, Handspring should be persuaded to alter its plan.
The advantage is that IDEO maintains the legendary status that is differentiating it from the other product development firms. All employees feel comfortable. The Visor, therefore, becomes a perfect product from IDEO’s perspective. The disadvantage is that a new challenge that confronts IDEO. Other companies do take chances of releasing similar or somewhat better products. Spending therefore increases. Handspring’s credibility decreases. IDEO should thus persuade the Handspring’s management to change the aggressive launch of the schedule. The deadline was not a big problem for The IDEO Company. Besides, IDEO is not ready to sacrifice the emphasis it has on innovation and design. The project design was very inadequate and could not perform well in the market without the support of IDEO’s grand plan.
- Should they Decline the Project?
No, the project should not be declined. The advantage is that the IDEO Company should not sacrifice the emphasis on innovation and design. They focus on another product. Failing is a part of the culture. If IDEO accepts the visor projects, which is a failure, the company will know how to mitigate a similar collapse. The disadvantage is that the credibility of IDEO decreases since they might lose the next contract from Handspring. There will be several missed opportunities for IDEO to increase its ability to come up with better products. After weighing the advantages and the disadvantages of the three choices, Boyles should accept the visor project on a dramatically reduced propensity.