Phase 1: Signal Scanning
Detecting weak signals before they become strong trendsTools: - Reddit community deep dives - Patent filing analysis - Academic paper tracking - Startup funding patterns - Search trend anomalies
Example: An Innovation Detective noticed surge in "Sunday reset" searches + rise in productivity app downloads + growth in meal prep content = $50M opportunity for integrated life management platform
Phase 2: Pattern Bridging
Connecting insights across domainsThe BRIDGE Framework: - Borrow from other industries - Reverse assumptions - Intersect unrelated trends - Discover hidden constraints - Generate novel combinations - Experiment rapidly
Phase 3: Opportunity Architecting
Transforming patterns into profitable innovationsValue Creation Formula: Weak Signal + Cross-Domain Pattern + Unmet Need + Execution Path = Innovation Opportunity
Phase 4: Evidence Building
Proving the opportunity with dataValidation Stack: 1. Analogous successes 2. Early adopter behavior 3. Market size modeling 4. Competition white space 5. Technical feasibility