Innovation through modification

How can we modify a product with the help of a new colour, form or shape? New models of car and bike keep hitting the market almost every week. Two wheeler and automobile manufacturers use the modification technique constantly to upgrade their product with a new look or design. Modern homes and offices are dotted with innovative modified furniture marking a new beginning in luxury and lifestyle.

Packaging of products is modified to retain the freshness of the products, to facilitate better usage of the product or to make it look more attractive. The concept of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is used in some countries to increase the shelf life of fresh food products. The modification process uses a gas mix inside the packaging to keep the food fresh.

Innovation through modification has taken giant leaps in the field of genetically modified animals. Scientists are experimenting on creation of animals for producing medicine and organs for transplant which could benefit mankind. Some researchers are trying to develop genetically modified mosquitoes to eradicate malaria. Same has been done for crops; scientists have genetically modified sweet corn so that it produces a poison which kills harmful insects, the farmers does not require insecticides to fight insects.

Kaizen is a concept developed by the Japanese to encourage small improvements on a regular basis. It is implemented in organisations to improve everything related to the organisation; it can range from a business process to a production process. These changes are brought about by making small modifications in daily activities, the cumulative effect of which is quite remarkable when reviewed over a period of time.

The concept of Kaizen can be applied to our daily lives as well. We can try to make small modifications to improve whatever we do. Think of enhancing concentration which would help in studies and job, a little bit of exercise daily can keep us healthy and energetic. The way we study or do our job can also be improved through modifications.

So, try to innovate by modifying.