To be effective, innovation must be relevant

Chris Baron, director of Prefix Systems, highlights the importance of the need for innovation and product development to be ‘relevant’.

In today’s fast-paced market, product innovation and development are essential for survival, not just a competitive advantage. However, innovation alone is not sufficient; it must be relevant to make a meaningful impact.

Relevance begins with a thorough understanding of the market and the needs of your target audience. Most businesses are aware of common pain points, preferences, and emerging trends. And this knowledge helps ensure that new products or features address genuine problems and enhance user experiences effectively.

A truly relevant innovation enhances user experience by addressing specific needs or preferences. When users perceive a direct benefit from a product, they are more likely to adopt it and remain loyal customers.

However, for product innovation to be successful, it must be relevant.

For example, if a competitor has an effective solution to a problem, you will naturally want to develop or enhance your own product. However, if your development solves a minor issue while creating multiple new problems – such as being overpriced, unattractive, or difficult to use – this will only strengthen your competitor’s advantage!

Relevance ensures that new products and features meet genuine consumer needs without inadvertently enhancing your competitor’s position.

For instance, Sheerline’s S1 & S2 roofs feature many unique and innovative developments. And some of those are subtle and not overly published. Typical examples would be that the Sheervent fits directly into the ridge and runs over the eaves beam on the S1 lantern. Thus, removing two glazing joints that are weak points and historically prone to leaks!

And another would be the discrete S2 box gutter support brace. Fixed through the brace and the box gutter into the house wall, it negates the need for gallows brackets to support a box gutter. A solution that may not affect all consumers but, valuable for those who require it.

The S2 box gutter support brace is effective and relevant for several reasons, it provides a simple solution, it’s discrete and does not restrict water flow, it can be moved on-site by the installer to achieve the best position, and it can be used on either side of a box gutter joint, allowing for unlimited spanning capability.

So, in summary staying relevant is about more than keeping up with trends – it’s about ensuring you’re not reinventing the wheel and failing.

If a competitor has a solution that accomplishes a task effectively and discreetly, sometimes the best course of action is to applaud it, adopt it or move on.