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How does companies get their idea for the software?
For example, how did TikTok get their idea of the app?
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Wojciech’s Answer
There are a variety of ways that companies can get ideas for software. One common approach is to identify a problem or need in the market and develop a solution to address it. Another approach is to build upon existing technologies or ideas and improve upon them. Additionally, companies can also get inspiration from user feedback or by observing trends in the industry.
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Mickael’s Answer
That's called innovation.
In addition to what Wojciech said, there is also: and what if I developed this, that would be nice.
Most of the time though, this is starting from either a personal or a general problem with a lack of solution. For example, it would be nice if ...
If the ... is an idea that is worth spending money (or time) on because there is some promising rewards, then you go for it.
Startups start this way. They define a service that does not exist or they provide a better existing service. Companies innovate this way as well but with more risk management usually.
In addition to what Wojciech said, there is also: and what if I developed this, that would be nice.
Most of the time though, this is starting from either a personal or a general problem with a lack of solution. For example, it would be nice if ...
If the ... is an idea that is worth spending money (or time) on because there is some promising rewards, then you go for it.
Startups start this way. They define a service that does not exist or they provide a better existing service. Companies innovate this way as well but with more risk management usually.
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Christopher,
The sources for innovation in software companies vary wildly. As Mickael and Wojciech’s answers suggest interaction with potential or existing clients is a prime source for ideas. We do this at Atlassian, through our voice of the customer program. We proactively survey, engage and collect information from customers and our consultants about what customers want our existing software tools (like Jira) to do.
Another source of innovation is anticipating emerging or evolving trends within a market or industry. For example, During the late 1990s and 2000s telecommunications companies saw the opportunity of the internet and forecast that consumers would want more internet bandwidth to be brought to their homes. As these companies raced to implement fiber-optic cables throughout neighborhoods to capitalize on the market demand, the cost of high-speed internet plummeted for consumers.
This made the economic viability of streaming television and other demanding high-speed services (like gaming) much more appealing to the average income household. Consequently, entrepreneurs and established corporations alike began developing entertainment and applications to leverage this new opportunity. During the pandemic, everyone began working from home, and corporations turned to Zoom to enable employees to more easily work together to be productive. While this latter example with Zoom, is not a demonstration of innovation, it does illustrate for example, how macroeconomic, societal choices, market and industry risks all impact the opportunities that present themselves for innovating new software products and/or market services.
Begin educating yourself on Strategy and Innovation
Read Ash Muya's book "Running Lean" which describes a test and learn approach to innovating new ideas and perfecting them
Consider reading the discipline of Market leaders
The sources for innovation in software companies vary wildly. As Mickael and Wojciech’s answers suggest interaction with potential or existing clients is a prime source for ideas. We do this at Atlassian, through our voice of the customer program. We proactively survey, engage and collect information from customers and our consultants about what customers want our existing software tools (like Jira) to do.
Another source of innovation is anticipating emerging or evolving trends within a market or industry. For example, During the late 1990s and 2000s telecommunications companies saw the opportunity of the internet and forecast that consumers would want more internet bandwidth to be brought to their homes. As these companies raced to implement fiber-optic cables throughout neighborhoods to capitalize on the market demand, the cost of high-speed internet plummeted for consumers.
This made the economic viability of streaming television and other demanding high-speed services (like gaming) much more appealing to the average income household. Consequently, entrepreneurs and established corporations alike began developing entertainment and applications to leverage this new opportunity. During the pandemic, everyone began working from home, and corporations turned to Zoom to enable employees to more easily work together to be productive. While this latter example with Zoom, is not a demonstration of innovation, it does illustrate for example, how macroeconomic, societal choices, market and industry risks all impact the opportunities that present themselves for innovating new software products and/or market services.
Matt recommends the following next steps: