The S-Curve

I would like to take the time to explain the concept of the Innovation S-Curve. As you can see below the concept of the S-Curve is used to determine performance in regard to time or effort. These are extremely important due to the fact that understanding where you are in regard to this system determines how you should proceed in regard to innovation strategy. It can also assist you in understanding your current risks and how to avoid certain pit-falls common to products or services in certain phases of maturity.

Technology Life Cycle: the “S” Curve

Now if we look at the same S-Curve in the context of innovation in regard to an industry or product  we can see that there exists four major stages of innovation. These are Ferment, Takeoff, Maturity, and Discontinuity.

Industry or Product Lifecycle  as an S-Curve

• Ferment - This is the when a product or industry is completely new. A dominant design has not been recognized and competition to create the dominant design is fierce. 
• Takeoff - If a dominant design has been determined and the innovation crosses the chasm of death you will see a rapid period of growth as the innovation moves towards full market acceptance. 
• Maturity - The product or industry has become a completely accepted by the general public and has matured. It is at this point that only a few large players exist and the markets are clearly defined. This is also the point when products become completely standardized and the products are less and less unique.  
• Discontinuity - Once a product has reached maturity it runs that risk of being discontinued by newer technologies a great example of this was the transition from film cameras to digital cameras.