In our previous article we discussed what incremental innovation is. Because examples often inspire and help you gain new insights and ideas, we have decided to write another article. Read our incremental innovation examples here and get inspired.

Definition incremental innovation

Before we dive into our incremental innovation examples, I would first like to briefly consider the definition of incremental innovation.

Our definition of incremental innovation is: making small, continuous improvements to existing products, services, processes, or methods.

Let’s discover our inspiring incremental innovation examples

We handpicked the following inspiring incremental innovation examples for you:

1. Incremental innovation example: Toyota continuous improvement in manufacturing

A notable incremental innovation example is the continuous improvement practices at Toyota. Since its introduction, Toyota has followed an incremental innovation strategy to enhance its manufacturing processes:

Efficiency Enhancements: Toyota continually seeks to reduce waste and optimize resource utilization through small, incremental changes suggested by employees at all levels.

Quality Improvements: By making incremental adjustments to production techniques, Toyota ensures that the quality of its vehicles consistently improves, minimizing defects and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Process Innovations: TPS promotes a culture of kaizen, where even minor improvements in workflows and procedures contribute to significant productivity gains over time.

Employee Empowerment: By involving frontline workers in the innovation process, Toyota fosters a sense of ownership and continuous improvement, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce.

2. Incremental innovation example: Coca-Cola’s Product Line Extensions

Another notable example of incremental innovation is seen in the product line extensions by Coca-Cola. Over the years, Coca-Cola has followed an incremental innovation strategy to diversify its product offerings while maintaining its core brand:

Flavor Variations: Coca-Cola has introduced various flavor variants such as Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. These incremental additions cater to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Packaging Innovations: The company has made incremental improvements in packaging, such as introducing smaller can sizes, recyclable materials, and special edition designs, enhancing consumer appeal and environmental sustainability.

Health-Conscious Options: Responding to consumer demand for healthier options, Coca-Cola has incrementally expanded its product line to include beverages with reduced sugar and added vitamins and minerals.

Marketing Adjustments: Coca-Cola continually tweaks its marketing strategies, incorporating incremental changes based on consumer feedback and market trends to keep its brand fresh and relevant.

3. Incremental innovation examples: Netflix’s streaming service enhancements

A notable example of incremental innovation is seen in the development of Netflix’s streaming service. Since its transition from a DVD rental service, Netflix has consistently employed an incremental innovation strategy to enhance its platform:

Content Personalization: Netflix continually improves its recommendation algorithms to provide users with personalized content suggestions based on their viewing habits, enhancing user engagement.

Streaming Quality: Over time, Netflix has incrementally upgraded its streaming technology to support higher video resolutions, including HD, 4K, and HDR, providing a better viewing experience.

User Interface Improvements: Regular updates to the Netflix interface have made it more intuitive and user-friendly, with features like auto-play, enhanced search functionality, and customizable profiles.

Content Library Expansion: Netflix incrementally expands its content library with a mix of licensed and original content, catering to a diverse audience and keeping the platform fresh and appealing.

Are you ready for more innovation inspiration?

Read the book Business Model Hacking. It is a practical and powerful approach to developing new business models. It contains many examples of game changers who owe their success to the choices in their business model. Also it covered several inspiring case studies. What are you waiting for!