The Universal Idea Model: A Framework for Turning Concepts into Innovation

Unlock the full potential of your ideas with the Universal Idea Model, a proven framework for transforming raw concepts into structured innovations. Whether you're brainstorming alone or collaborating with teams, this model provides the tools needed to articulate, develop, and refine ideas into actionable solutions. Elevate your innovation process and bring clarity to the creative journey with a model trusted by leading innovators.

The Universal Idea Model

A Powerful Template for Crafting Executive Idea Summaries

Check also the complete Innovation Toolkit

Title: An <object> that <does something>

Summary: An <object: what form would the idea take?> for <a class of users: who will be using it?> that <does something: what will it do?> in order to <achieve a goal: what is the outcome of its function?>. Users benefit by <getting something back: how will users get value?> when <they are in a specific situation: what are the conditions?>.

The <object> in the above structure is the shape that the idea could take if implemented - the envisioned form factor e.g. an app for smart devices

The <class of users> is a named group of users that are expected to get the most value from this idea, e.g. consumers

The <does something> is the description of the operation or function that the <object> performs, e.g. provides real-time price insights and product information

The <achieve a goal> element summarizes what the idea is trying to achieve through the <does something> function, e.g. to inform the consumer about an in-budget, nearby offer.

The <getting something back> element should summarize the type of value the users are getting from the idea - how it generates value to the users, e.g. to inform the consumer about relevant product opportunities within their budget.

The <they are in a specific situation> element summarizes the environment in which the users benefit from the idea, e.g. by discovering in-budget offers for products they need

Examples of Ideas Described with the Universal Idea Model

Discover how product ideas come to life through the Universal Idea Model. These real-world examples showcase how innovative concepts are structured and articulated to maximize clarity, and consistency. See how the model presents ideas into compelling executive summaries.

Check also the complete Innovation Toolkit

An AI app that recommends the right participants for a business meeting

An intelligent component for business users that is able to capture the context of a meeting and recommend the most suitable participants in order to organize a better meeting with the right people in the room. Users benefit by instantly finding the right experts and decision-makers to invite when they are setting up a business event.

Fake News - How Blockchain and IPFS can help Democracy

A decentralized system for online users, that systematically samples and processes cohorts of News and social posts in order to identify 'Fake News' or misleading content. Users benefit by realizing both their exposure and their unintentional contribution to the problem of Fake News when they use social media to discover, consume and share content. 

An Augmented Reality in-Shop Customer Experience

An app for consumers that synthesizes personalized product and pricing information as an augmented reality experience in order to offer special prices, loyalty or discounts to the user. Consumers benefit by discovering better offers, in a personalized way, when they are exploring products - physically, inside a commercial store.

A situation-aware 'Do Not Disturb' mode for smartphones and wearables

A software component for smartphone users that can identify certain social occasions as 'noise sensitive' in order to minimize the disturbance from mobile ringtones and app notifications. Users benefit from a generalized socially responsible use of smartphones when in a place or occasion that requires focus or quietness.

Private Music Sessions on Mobile Devices

A mobile application for music enthusiasts that enables a user to play music songs on both his own and a remote device, synchronously in order to allow users to share and enjoy music with loved ones online. Users benefit by enjoying music-powered chats, interactions, or discussions with friends and family when they are in different locations.

A Global Platform for Unemployed People

An online service for unemployed people that enables them to get connected and create business opportunities in order to find creative alternatives and pursuit different, better careers. Users benefit by networking and creating new opportunities when they are unemployed or the conditions in the job market are poor or the options are limited.