Assessing the usefulness of an early idea development tool among experienced researchers

Abstract

We test a novel ideation tool developed for early idea development among experienced academic researchers. We presented the Impact Canvas® tool to experienced researchers who assessed the usefulness of the tool in early idea development. This paper analyses their perceptions of the tool: its usability and visual appeal, content elements, ability to facilitate collaboration and motivate them personally. Our findings imply that the employment background of experienced researchers has an impact on how useful they consider the tool. Researchers with a background in the public sector appreciate the tool significantly more than researchers who do not have similar working experiences.