In February 2009 UPC (a Liberty Global Inc. company) launched UPC Fiber Power, providing incredible internet download-speeds of up to 120 Mbps. The introduction in the Netherlands would be followed by introductions in all other UPC countries. UPC management approached Innovation Factory with the request for a way to involve the employees throughout Europe in celebrating this important milestone. Innovation Factory proposed to host an Idea Challenge.
Preparation
An Idea Challenge starts with a clear and concise question, providing scope and direction. Giving people a challenging but understandable question will not only enable them to contribute in the first place, but will also motivate them to think creatively. We worked together to create the following challenge:
“We are looking for new ideas on how such super fast connection speeds could be used by customers. [...] Unlock your creativity, use your imagination and let us know!”
Setting up an efficient and professional idea management organisation and workflow is pivotal to supporting a successful Idea Challenge. This includes designing on evaluation processes and the corresponding evaluation criteria as well as appointing the right people to coordinate the process. These coordinators are trained in best practices on how to motivate people to create better ideas.
Communication
For the challenge to attract ideas, people need to be aware that they have the opportunity to participate. One of the mechanisms that we utilised was a corporate mailing to potential contributors. This was used as we know the importance of showing management engagement. Additionally, together with UPC marketing and LGI corporate communication we chose to create a series of thought provoking posters. These were distributed throughout the 10 participating countries.
Running the Idea Challenge
People contributed to the UPC Fiber Power Idea Challenge in three distinct ways; by submitting their ideas, by voting on other peoples’ ideas and by commenting on and discussing each others ideas.
Typically, most contributions are made at the beginning of a challenge, and the rate of ideas submission declines as time progresses. In the UPC Fiber Power Idea Challenge we achieved a relatively constant growth in the number of ideas, through the following:
- A phased introduction in 10 countries. This resulted in regular peaks in site activity and contributions
- Sending out reminders halfway through the challenge, calling upon people to contribute their ideas
Throughout the duration of the Idea Challenge, Innovation Factory provided coaching and support for both the coordinator and the team. We also provided regular updates of key statistics and developed specific desired software functionalities, upon request by UPC.
Selection and announcement of winners
All admitted ideas were evaluated on a number of criteria, which can be categorised as profitability, feasibility and originality. Based on the evaluations a long list of 40 ideas was put before a selection committee, consisting of several Vice Presidents. They selected the final winners, which were announced and awarded prizes at a company reception.
The results of the Idea Challenge
- 600 registered users from 10 countries participated in the challenge
- 300+ votes and 100 comments, from all layers of the organisation
- 157 ideas submitted
- 83 ideas screened in the initial screening
- 74 ideas selected to be further enriched
- 40 ideas long listed as potential winners
- Several combinations of multiple ideas have clear market potential
- UPC will continue this Idea Challenge with UPC customers
