Innovation Domain

The Innovation domain represents the structured approach to creating, developing, and implementing new ideas, products, services, processes, and business models within an organization. It provides a framework for modeling innovation portfolios, processes, idea management systems, and experimentation frameworks.

Schema Version: 2.1
Schema Location: /schemas/innovation.schema.json
Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07

Overview

What is the Innovation Domain?

The Innovation domain captures the creation of new value and competitive advantage, enabling innovation-centric analysis that drives strategic advantage, growth, and organizational renewal. The domain covers:

Innovation Processes — Approaches for generating and implementing innovations
Innovation Portfolios — Collections of innovation investments
Idea Management — Systems for capturing and evaluating ideas
Experimentation Frameworks — Methodologies for testing hypotheses

This domain extends the Orthogramic Metamodel by providing deeper insights into innovation practices, portfolio management, and experimentation methods.

Purpose and Value

The Innovation domain enables architects and planners to:

Manage portfolios — Structure innovation investments with balanced risk
Map processes — Define systematic approaches to innovation
Support decisions — Enable data-driven innovation investment priorities
Drive improvement — Systematic experimentation and learning
Measure performance — Track innovation across multiple dimensions

For Data Engineers

The Innovation domain maps directly to R&D and product data concepts:

Innovation Portfolio → Project portfolio /investment tracking
Innovation Process → Stage-gate workflow data
Idea Management → Idea database /pipeline
Experimentation → A/B test results /experiment data
Innovation Metrics → R&D KPIs /patent data

Core Components

The Innovation domain uses a funnel structure:

Ideas & Insights: Input sources for innovation
Innovation Process: Stage-gate or agile development
Portfolio Management: Balanced investment allocation
Experimentation: Hypothesis testing and validation

Domain Attributes

Core Attributes

Attribute	Type	Description	Required
`innovationID`	String	Unique identifier	✓
`title`	String	Name of innovation element	✓
`description`	String	Detailed explanation	✓
`innovationType`	Enum	Classification of innovation approach
`orgUnitTitle`	String	Organization unit responsible
`orgUnitRoles`	Array[String]	Roles managing innovation
`innovationScope`	Enum	Organizational breadth
`innovationOrigin`	Object	Source and genesis
`innovationStage`	Enum	Current development phase
`innovationOwner`	String	Individual responsible
`strategicAlignment`	Object	Connection to strategy
`targetOutcomes`	Array[Object]	Expected results
`resourceAllocation`	Object	Resources committed
`timeline`	Object	Development timeline
`riskAssessment`	Object	Innovation risks
`performanceIndicators`	Array[Object]	Innovation metrics
`dependencies`	Array[Object]	Dependencies on other domains
`relatedInnovations`	Array[Object]	Related innovation elements
`governanceModel`	Object	Innovation governance

Enumeration Values

Innovation Type (`innovationType`)

Value	Description	Example
`Product`	New or improved products	New product launch
`Service`	New or improved services	Service enhancement
`Process`	New or improved processes	Automation
`Business Model`	New business models	Platform business
`Technology`	Technology innovation	Digital platform
`Experience`	Customer experience innovation	CX transformation
`Organizational`	Organizational innovation	New ways of working

Innovation Scope (`innovationScope`)

Value	Description
`Incremental`	Small improvements
`Adjacent`	Extensions to existing
`Transformational`	Breakthrough innovations
`Disruptive`	Market-disrupting innovations

Innovation Stage (`innovationStage`)

Value	Description	Example
`Ideation`	Initial concept	Idea generation
`Validation`	Concept validation	Market research
`Development`	Active development	Building MVP
`Pilot`	Testing and piloting	Beta testing
`Scaling`	Scaling up	Market expansion
`Optimization`	Continuous improvement	Enhancement
`Retired`	Discontinued	End of life

Innovation Origin (`innovationOrigin`)

Value	Description	Example
`Customer Insights`	Customer-driven	Feedback, research
`Technology Exploration`	Technology-driven	R&D, emerging tech
`Market Analysis`	Market-driven	Competitive gaps
`Internal Ideas`	Employee-driven	Ideation programs
`Partnerships`	Partner-driven	Joint ventures
`Acquisition`	Acquired innovation	M&A

Innovation Process Elements

Attribute	Type	Description
`processID`	String	Unique identifier
`processTitle`	String	Name of innovation process
`processDescription`	String	Detailed description
`processType`	Enum	Type: `Stage-Gate`, `Agile`, `Design Thinking`, `Lean Startup`, `Hybrid`
`processStages`	Array[Object]	Process stages
`processOwner`	String	Process owner
`methodologies`	Array[Object]	Innovation methods used
`decisionGates`	Array[Object]	Go/no-go decision points
`resourceModel`	Object	Resource allocation approach
`performanceMetrics`	Array[Object]	Process metrics
`roles`	Array[Object]	Roles in the process

Innovation Portfolio Elements

Attribute	Type	Description
`portfolioID`	String	Unique identifier
`portfolioTitle`	String	Name of portfolio
`portfolioDescription`	String	Detailed description
`portfolioScope`	Enum	Scope of portfolio
`portfolioCategories`	Array[Object]	Categories of innovations
`portfolioBalance`	Object	Balance across horizons
`totalInvestment`	Object	Total portfolio investment
`innovations`	Array[Object]	Innovations in portfolio
`portfolioMetrics`	Array[Object]	Portfolio performance
`governanceBody`	Object	Portfolio governance
`reviewCadence`	Enum	Review frequency

Idea Management Elements

Attribute	Type	Description
`ideaID`	String	Unique identifier
`ideaTitle`	String	Name of idea
`ideaDescription`	String	Detailed description
`ideaSource`	Enum	Source of idea
`ideaSubmitter`	String	Who submitted
`evaluationCriteria`	Array[Object]	Evaluation approach
`evaluationScore`	Object	Evaluation result
`ideaStatus`	Enum	Status: `Submitted`, `Under Review`, `Approved`, `In Development`, `Rejected`, `Parked`
`businessCase`	Object	Business justification
`resourceRequirements`	Object	Resources needed

Experimentation Framework Elements

Attribute	Type	Description
`experimentID`	String	Unique identifier
`experimentTitle`	String	Name of experiment
`hypothesis`	String	Hypothesis being tested
`experimentType`	Enum	Type: `A/B Test`, `MVP`, `Prototype`, `Pilot`, `Proof of Concept`
`experimentDesign`	Object	Design methodology
`successCriteria`	Array[Object]	Criteria for success
`results`	Object	Experiment results
`learnings`	Array[String]	Key learnings
`nextSteps`	Array[String]	Recommended actions

Domain Relationships

The Innovation domain integrates with other metamodel domains:

Target Domain	Relationship Type	Description
Strategy	Alignment	Innovation supports strategic objectives
Capabilities	Development	Innovation develops new capabilities
Products	Creation	Innovation creates new products
Services	Creation	Innovation creates new services
Technology	Enablement	Technology enables innovation
Finance	Investment	Innovation investments tracked
Risk	Assessment	Innovation risks managed
Performance	Measurement	Innovation KPIs tracked
People	Skills	Innovation skills developed
Market	Opportunity	Market opportunities addressed

Examples

Example 1: Digital Innovation Portfolio

{
  "innovationID": "INN-DIGITAL-001",
  "title": "Digital Customer Experience Innovation Portfolio",
  "description": "Portfolio of innovations focused on transforming customer experiences through digital technologies, AI, and data-driven personalization",
  "innovationType": "Experience",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Digital Innovation Center",
  "orgUnitRoles": ["Chief Innovation Officer", "Digital Experience Lead", "Innovation Portfolio Manager"],
  "innovationScope": "Transformational",
  "innovationOrigin": {
    "sources": ["Customer Insights", "Technology Exploration"],
    "primarySource": "Customer Insights"
  },
  "innovationStage": "Scaling",
  "innovationOwner": "VP of Digital Transformation",
  "strategicAlignment": {
    "strategicObjectives": [
      {
        "objectiveID": "STRAT-CX-001",
        "alignmentStrength": 5,
        "description": "Directly enables customer experience transformation"
      }
    ],
    "strategicPriority": "high"
  },
  "portfolioBalance": {
    "horizonAllocation": [
      {"horizon": "Horizon 1 (Core)", "percentage": 40, "description": "Incremental improvements to existing experiences"},
      {"horizon": "Horizon 2 (Adjacent)", "percentage": 45, "description": "New digital channels and capabilities"},
      {"horizon": "Horizon 3 (Transformational)", "percentage": 15, "description": "Breakthrough experiences and business models"}
    ]
  },
  "totalInvestment": {
    "annualBudget": "$18M",
    "currency": "USD",
    "allocationBreakdown": [
      {"category": "Product Development", "amount": "$8M"},
      {"category": "Technology Platform", "amount": "$5M"},
      {"category": "Research and Experimentation", "amount": "$3M"},
      {"category": "Talent and Capabilities", "amount": "$2M"}
    ]
  },
  "innovations": [
    {
      "innovationID": "INN-AI-001",
      "title": "AI-Powered Personalization Engine",
      "innovationType": "Technology",
      "innovationStage": "Scaling",
      "investment": "$4.5M",
      "expectedROI": "220%",
      "status": "On Track"
    },
    {
      "innovationID": "INN-CX-002",
      "title": "Omnichannel Experience Platform",
      "innovationType": "Experience",
      "innovationStage": "Development",
      "investment": "$6M",
      "expectedROI": "180%",
      "status": "On Track"
    },
    {
      "innovationID": "INN-BM-001",
      "title": "Subscription Business Model",
      "innovationType": "Business Model",
      "innovationStage": "Pilot",
      "investment": "$2M",
      "expectedROI": "TBD",
      "status": "At Risk"
    }
  ],
  "performanceIndicators": [
    {
      "metricName": "Innovation Adoption Rate",
      "metricDescription": "Percentage of customers using new digital experiences",
      "currentValue": "42%",
      "targetValue": "65%",
      "trend": "improving"
    },
    {
      "metricName": "Time to Market",
      "metricDescription": "Average time from concept to launch",
      "currentValue": "8 months",
      "targetValue": "6 months",
      "trend": "improving"
    },
    {
      "metricName": "Innovation ROI",
      "metricDescription": "Return on innovation investment",
      "currentValue": "165%",
      "targetValue": "200%",
      "trend": "stable"
    }
  ],
  "governanceModel": {
    "governanceStructure": "Innovation Portfolio Board with monthly review",
    "decisionAuthority": "Stage-gate approvals by Innovation Council",
    "reviewCadence": "Monthly portfolio reviews, quarterly strategic reviews"
  }
}

Example 2: Innovation Process

{
  "innovationID": "INN-PROC-001",
  "title": "Design Thinking Innovation Process",
  "description": "Human-centered innovation process for developing customer-focused solutions",
  "innovationType": "Process",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Innovation Center of Excellence",
  "processType": "Design Thinking",
  "processStages": [
    {
      "stageName": "Empathize",
      "description": "Deep understanding of customer needs",
      "activities": ["Customer interviews", "Observation", "Journey mapping"],
      "deliverables": ["Customer insights report", "Empathy maps"],
      "duration": "2-4 weeks"
    },
    {
      "stageName": "Define",
      "description": "Frame the problem to solve",
      "activities": ["Problem framing", "Opportunity identification"],
      "deliverables": ["Problem statement", "Design challenge"],
      "duration": "1-2 weeks"
    },
    {
      "stageName": "Ideate",
      "description": "Generate creative solutions",
      "activities": ["Brainstorming", "Concept development"],
      "deliverables": ["Concept portfolio", "Initial prototypes"],
      "duration": "2-3 weeks"
    },
    {
      "stageName": "Prototype",
      "description": "Build testable representations",
      "activities": ["Rapid prototyping", "MVP development"],
      "deliverables": ["Working prototype", "Test plan"],
      "duration": "2-4 weeks"
    },
    {
      "stageName": "Test",
      "description": "Validate with users",
      "activities": ["User testing", "Iteration"],
      "deliverables": ["Test results", "Recommendations"],
      "duration": "2-4 weeks"
    }
  ],
  "methodologies": [
    {"methodologyName": "Design Thinking", "applicationContext": "Customer-focused innovation"},
    {"methodologyName": "Lean Startup", "applicationContext": "Business model validation"},
    {"methodologyName": "Agile", "applicationContext": "Development execution"}
  ],
  "performanceMetrics": [
    {
      "metricName": "Concept-to-Launch Time",
      "currentValue": "6 months",
      "targetValue": "4 months"
    },
    {
      "metricName": "Customer Validation Rate",
      "currentValue": "75%",
      "targetValue": "85%"
    }
  ]
}

Example 3: Experimentation Framework

{
  "innovationID": "INN-EXP-001",
  "title": "Digital Experimentation Framework",
  "description": "Structured approach to rapid experimentation and learning",
  "innovationType": "Process",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Growth Lab",
  "experimentTypes": [
    {
      "type": "A/B Test",
      "useCase": "Feature and UX optimization",
      "typicalDuration": "2-4 weeks"
    },
    {
      "type": "MVP",
      "useCase": "New product validation",
      "typicalDuration": "4-8 weeks"
    },
    {
      "type": "Prototype",
      "useCase": "Concept testing",
      "typicalDuration": "1-2 weeks"
    }
  ],
  "activeExperiments": [
    {
      "experimentID": "EXP-2025-001",
      "title": "AI Recommendation Engine Test",
      "hypothesis": "AI recommendations will increase conversion by 15%",
      "experimentType": "A/B Test",
      "status": "In Progress",
      "preliminaryResults": "+12% conversion"
    }
  ],
  "performanceIndicators": [
    {
      "metricName": "Experiments per Quarter",
      "currentValue": "24",
      "targetValue": "30"
    },
    {
      "metricName": "Experiment Success Rate",
      "currentValue": "35%",
      "targetValue": "40%"
    }
  ]
}

Implementation Guidelines

Innovation Management Best Practices

Balance the portfolio — Allocate across innovation horizons
Define clear processes — Establish systematic innovation approaches
Measure outcomes — Track leading and lagging indicators
Foster culture — Create environment supporting experimentation
Learn from failure — Extract value from unsuccessful attempts

Innovation Horizon Framework

Innovation Metrics Framework

Category	Metric	Description
Input	R&D Spend	Investment in innovation
Input	Ideas Generated	Volume of new ideas
Process	Time to Market	Speed of innovation
Process	Stage Conversion	Pipeline progression
Output	New Revenue	Revenue from innovation
Output	Patents Filed	Intellectual property
Outcome	Innovation ROI	Return on innovation investment

OpenMetadata Integration

For Data Platform Teams

When integrating with OpenMetadata, map Innovation entities as follows:

Orthogramic Element	OpenMetadata Entity	Notes
Innovation Portfolio	Dashboard	Portfolio dashboards
Innovation Process	Pipeline	Stage-gate workflows
Experiment	Test Suite	Experiment tracking
Idea Database	Table	Idea management data
Innovation Metrics	Metric	R&D KPIs

# Example: Map Innovation Portfolio to OpenMetadata
def create_innovation_dashboard(innovation):
    """
    Map Orthogramic Innovation Portfolio to OpenMetadata Dashboard
    """
    return {
        "name": innovation["innovationID"].lower(),
        "displayName": innovation["title"],
        "description": innovation["description"],
        "dashboardType": "innovation",
        "owner": {"name": innovation.get("orgUnitTitle", ""), "type": "team"},
        "tags": [
            {"tagFQN": f"InnovationType.{innovation['innovationType']}"},
            {"tagFQN": f"InnovationScope.{innovation.get('innovationScope', 'unknown')}"},
            {"tagFQN": f"InnovationStage.{innovation.get('innovationStage', 'unknown')}"}
        ],
        "charts": [
            {
                "name": "portfolio_balance",
                "displayName": "Portfolio Balance by Horizon",
                "chartType": "pie"
            },
            {
                "name": "innovation_pipeline",
                "displayName": "Innovation Pipeline",
                "chartType": "funnel"
            },
            {
                "name": "innovation_roi",
                "displayName": "Innovation ROI",
                "chartType": "gauge"
            }
        ]
    }

Schema Reference

Repository: Orthogramic/Orthogramic_Metamodel
Schema Location: /schemas/innovation.schema.json
Version: 2.1
Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07
License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Previous: Sustainability Domain | Next:

Overview​

What is the Innovation Domain?​

Purpose and Value​

Core Components​

Domain Attributes​

Core Attributes​

Enumeration Values​

Innovation Type (innovationType)​

Innovation Scope (innovationScope)​

Innovation Stage (innovationStage)​

Innovation Origin (innovationOrigin)​

Innovation Process Elements​

Innovation Portfolio Elements​

Idea Management Elements​

Experimentation Framework Elements​

Domain Relationships​

Examples​

Example 1: Digital Innovation Portfolio​

Example 2: Innovation Process​

Example 3: Experimentation Framework​

Implementation Guidelines​

Innovation Management Best Practices​

Innovation Horizon Framework​

Innovation Metrics Framework​

OpenMetadata Integration​

Schema Reference​