Innovation Frameworks

Practical methodologies for innovation, not academic theory. Each framework comes from real-world application — developed, tested, and refined through decades of leading innovation at HP, CableLabs, and with clients worldwide. Use them. Adapt them. Make them your own.

Why Frameworks Matter

Most innovation initiatives fail because they lack structure that balances creativity with disciplined execution. Random attempts lead to wasted resources, scattered efforts, and disappointing results.

These frameworks transform vague innovation goals into concrete, step-by-step action plans. They dramatically improve your chances of breakthrough results while making the best use of your time and resources.

The Framework Collection

Box Think

Problem solved: Getting stuck in conventional thinking patterns

Box Think helps you break free from traditional thought constraints by teaching you to think "inside," "outside," and "without" the box. This mental framework challenges assumed boundaries, reveals hidden opportunities, and transforms how your team approaches problems. By systematically working through different levels of constraint, you develop the agility to find solutions invisible to conventional thinkers.

Box Think Innovation Framework  →

FIRE Method (Coming Soon)

Problem solved: Disconnected, ineffective innovation processes

FIRE provides a comprehensive end-to-end innovation framework that guides teams from precise problem definition through successful implementation. Focus directs your efforts toward the right challenges, Ideation generates diverse possibilities, Ranking identifies the highest-potential ideas, and Execution turns concepts into results. This system prevents the common pitfall of generating ideas that never reach implementation.

Disruptive Shock (Coming Soon)

Problem solved: Vulnerability to market disruption and stagnant innovation

Disruptive Shock prepares your organization to both anticipate and create market disruptions. This framework helps you identify fragile assumptions in your business model and address them before competitors do. By understanding the patterns of disruption, you learn to see technological and market shifts not as threats but as opportunities to leapfrog the competition.

Creative Commons Commitment

I believe innovation skills should be available to everyone, not just elite organizations. These frameworks are licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

You can share, adapt, teach, and apply these frameworks freely. I simply ask that you give appropriate credit (link to my site) and share your adaptations under the same license.

Want to go deeper? Studio Sessions explores these frameworks in video and audio. Work with me to apply them to your specific challenges.

Innovation Frameworks © 2025 by Phil McKinney. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0.