Crowdsourcing

You've heard of outsourcing. You've heard of the concept of opensource for things like software development (the browser - Firefox - and the operating system I'm using - OSX - to write this post are both opensource). Now, there is a developing movement called Crowdsourcing (which is still emerging and being defined). The general idea is that a 'crowd' of generalists can make better decisions than a single expert.

Some companies are using crowdsourcing as a way to engage large groups of people in the innovation process.

The following model is being developed by Sami Viitamaki from Finland. It is an attempt to explain the idea of crowdsourcing from the point of view of a company that wants to engage in collaboration with customers or customer collectives.


Most of the models evolving around crowdsourcing involve digital and/or virtual interactions - to engage people from disparate parts of the world in what we call 'different time, different place' collaboration. A good example of a company doing this is Cambrian House. Cambrian House defines Crowdsourcing as:

Crowdsourcing is when people gather via the Internet to create something and share in the profit – often without ever meeting each other in person. The products of these collaborations are referred to as crowdsourced.

In our work we still recommend and use 'same time, same place' collaboration for groups of up to 100s of people. This intensive, face-to-face collaboration can accelerate the interactions and solutions generated by a group.

In Sami's model he refers to the need for specific facilities where the collaboration can takes place. He is referring to virtual facilities. We also see the need for specific facilities where collaboration can take place. The following is an example of a physical environment designed specifically for high level collaboration.

If we combine the power of the internet and virtual collaboration with the power of live, face-to-face collaboration in specifically designed interactions and engagements the potential for developing breakthrough products and services is enormous.

To read about Sami's model in more detail click here.