Even the best Arrows are useless in a Gun Fight

Let’s go back to when the first settlers conquered the USA. The American Indians developed over centuries how to build the best bows. They spent ages improving arrows and their range. Truly, they had the best arrows in the world, continuously improving over generations.

However, the new settlers didn’t use bows and arrows. They had guns. These guns had a higher range, were more deadly, and reloaded faster. The American Indians never stood a chance in direct conflict.

The Cycle of Innovation

This analogy describes the difference between incremental improvement during continuous development and disruptive innovation. Fast-forward to the current century, and we see the same thing: Software-defined vehicles have a massive advantage over conventional architecture. Gigacastings drastically reduce the supply chain complexity by combining 70 to 100 parts into one casting.

When we look deeper, we will find even more, not a new effect. Most development processes involve continuous, incremental improvements. This is often seen in methodologies like Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning “change for the better,” which emphasises ongoing, small-scale enhancements. Teams and organizations focus on refining existing products, services, or processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance user experience.

Every so often, a disruptive idea emerges that significantly alters the landscape. This concept is famously explored in Clayton M. Christensen’s theory of Disruptive Innovation. According to Christensen, disruptive innovations originate in low-end or new-market footholds and eventually displace established competitors by offering simpler, more affordable, or more accessible solutions.

The cycle continues. The once disruptive idea becomes adapted and incrementally improved. One of my favourite examples is the shock tower. It was a novelty in 1994 as a ductile and weldable HPDC part. Today, it is a commodity. The only “improvement” is finding a country where they make it a cent cheaper. Gigacasting was another disruption in the foundry market in 2018.

Do you want to know the next Disruption in the HPDC market?

It is Rheocasting, which can enable long flow lengths, high mechanical properties at the end of the filling, minimal porosities, and a new range of highly sustainable alloys.

Get started today before it becomes a commodity! If you need some guidance, look at the Rheocasting Strategy Development Package. Book your Free Consultation Call down below.