Descriptions for Figures 1-7; FOCUS Technical Brief Number 28.
The Need to Knowledge Model: A Roadmap to Successful Outputs for NIDILRR Grantees


Figure 1: Screen Shot of Discovery Phase, Stage 1/Gate 1

Figure 1 depicts a screen shot of the content presented in Stage 1 of the Need to Knowledge Model webpage. Three long columns are divided into 4 rows. The top row lists the contents of each column- from left to right, "Stage/Gate"; "Steps" and a link "Hide all"; and "Tips" also with a link for "Hide all".

The second row says "Discovery Phase".

The third row, first column (under the Stage/Gate heading) says "Stage 1: Define Problem and Solution" and has a link for [Supporting Evidence[. There is also an image of an electronic pill crusher, and a link for Pill Crusher example.

The second column contains a listing of steps, numbered 1.1 to 1.5, as follows: 1.1 Opportunity for KT: Assess needs for device or service with input from relevant stakeholders from the six knowledge user (KU) groups. [Supporting Evidence]; 1.2 Identify a problem (need). Identify audience for solution. Identify context for both. [Supporting Evidence]; 1.3 Propose plausible solution (goal) to problem in the form of a device or service. [Supporting Evidence]; 1.4 Determine scope of project (role); output as conceptual discovery, prototype invention or device/service innovation? [Supporting Evidence]; and 1.5 Consider path to market. [Supporting Evidence].

The third column contains a bulleted listing of tips as follows: Limit disclosure of information regarding solution and document all original thinking related to solution). [Supporting Evidence]; Scope of project determines segments of KT4TT model involved with research generating discovery, development generating invention and production generating innovation level outputs. [Supporting Evidence]; and Consider resources, timelines, and partners when defining path to market. [Supporting Evidence].

The last and final row in Figure 1 states "Gate 1: Idea Screen. PI decides to either terminate or move forward with project to develop solution to problem. [Supporting Evidence]."

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Figure 2: Discovery outputs

The figure is an inverted triangle inside an inner circle, surrounded by seven rectangle boxes, going clockwise around another circle.

Figure 2 represents the first three stages of activity in the Need to Knowledge Model as well as the subsequent knowledge translation activities. The figure begins with an inverted triangle (apex at the bottom) that represents discovery creation. The top layer of the triangle is labeled Stages 1-3. Moving down the triangle to its point is another layer for discovery outputs. The words "generate discovery" are slanted down along the side of the triangle, signifying the funneling effect as the discovery is refined throughout the discovery creation process.

The triangle is within an outer circle that represents the action cycle (application of the discovery outputs). As you proceed clockwise around this outer circle you begin at the bottom (apex) of the triangle just described. The first step in the action cycle is to use the initial need assessments and value proposition to match the discovery to the knowledge gap. There is an arrow pointing to the next box that says to use need an valuability assessments to demonstrate how the discovery will benefit each separate knowledge user group. Develop tools to help each group apply/ use the discovery. This leads to the next box which says to assess barriers to use of the discovery by each knowledge user group. Survey the groups to see why they may not use the discovery. The remaining three boxes respectively state to monitor use of the discovery, evaluate outcomes, and sustain use of the discovery.

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Figure 3: Screen Shot of Invention Phase, Stage 4/Gate 4

Figure 3 offers a condensed screen shot of Stage 4, the first stage within the Invention Phase of the NTK model. As with Figure 1, this table is divided into three columns and four primary rows. The second and third columns each contain 10 sub-rows that segregate groupings of steps. The top row lists the contents of each column- from left to right, "Stage/Gate"; "Steps" and a link "Hide all"; and "Tips" with a link for "Hide all". The second row states "Invention Phase".

The first column in the third row says "Stage 4: Build Business Case and Establish Development Plans [Supporting Evidence].

The second column in this row is broken into ten sub-rows, which state the following: 4.1 Seek key co-development partners. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.2 Propose draft solution. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.3 Outline preliminary business case. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.4 Implement IP strategy in collaboration with technology transfer office or patent attorney. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.5 Assess regulatory, and reimbursement requirements. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.6 Opportunity for KT: Initiate key co-development practices. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.7 Assess resource needs and availability. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.8 Develop implementation plan. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.9 Secure resources for development. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.10 Allocate adequate resources. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.11 Gather, analyze and prioritize customer needs. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.12 Identify device/service features and specifications in light of production capabilities and component costs. [Supporting Evidence]; 4.13 Complete business case. [Supporting Evidence].

The third column is also broken into ten sub-rows, which state: Conduct more detailed marketing, technical and consumer assessments based on refined idea for application of discovery. [Supporting Evidence]; Discuss IP protection options with technology transfer office/ patent attorney. Develop understanding of design, pricing, and timing implications of requirements imposed by FCC, FDA (510K), HIPPA, Medicare/Medicaid, etc.; Identify and assess external partners; Review needs for staffing, funding, and time. [Supporting Evidence]; Identify potential distribution outlets; obtain funding from SBIR (Phase II) grant or investors; Budget adequate time, money, and expertise. [Supporting Evidence]; External partners and/or internal staff consider feasibility of future mass production of device/delivery of service, and estimate cost versus target price range; Reconcile preliminary business case with remainder of development plans.

The final row in this table states "Gate 4: Implement Development Plan? PI or partner considers if the business case has been validated. If yes, move to stage 5. If no, terminate or reiterate. [Supporting Evidence].

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Figure 4: Invention Outputs

The figure is an inverted triangle inside an inner circle, surrounded by seven rectangle boxes, going clockwise around another circle.

Figure 4 represents the first 6 stages of activity in the Need to Knowledge Model as well as the subsequent knowledge translation activities. The figure begins with an inverted triangle (apex at the bottom) that represents invention creation. The top layer of the triangle is labeled stages 1-3, followed by a layer for discovery outputs, followed by a layer for stage 4-6, and finally a layer for invention outputs. The words generate invention are slanted down along the side of the triangle, signifying the funneling effect as the discovery is refined into an invention output.

The triangle is within an outer circle that represents the action cycle (application of the invention outputs). As you proceed clockwise around this outer circle you begin at the bottom (apex) of the triangle just described. The first step in the action cycle is to revisit the potential value proposition, business case, and focus group/field test data to communicate the value of the invention to knowledge user groups. There is an arrow pointing to the next box that says to use information from the business case and consumer research activities to explore ways the invention can be used by each knowledge user group. Develop tools to demonstrate how the invention will benefit each group and help each group apply/use the invention. Arrows lead from each of the following boxes to the next around the circle, stating to assess barriers, implement interventions, monitor invention use, evaluate outcomes, and lastly sustain invention use.

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Figure 5: Screen Shot of Innovation Phase, Stage 7/Gate 7

Figure 5 offers a condensed screen shot of Stage 7, the first stage within the Innovation Phase of the NTK model. As with Figures 1 and 3, this table is divided into three columns and four primary rows. The second and third columns each contain 12 sub-rows that segregate groupings of steps. The top row lists the contents of each column- from left to right, "Stage/Gate"; "Steps" and a link "Hide all"; and "Tips" with a link for "Hide all". The second row states "Invention Phase".

The first column in the third row says "Stage 7: Production Planning and Preparation [Supporting Evidence].

The second column lists steps 7.1 to 7.13 as follows: 7.1 Draft preliminary bill of materials. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.2 Develop materials plan. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.3 Estimate market needs and costs for production. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.4 Develop production capacity plan. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.5 Plan and schedule engineering. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.6 Plan and schedule tool and process design. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.7 Review costs using preliminary BOM (Bill of Materials). [Supporting Evidence];7.8 Review IP protection and obtain final approval from regulatory and reimbursement bodies- if needed. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.9 Finalize distribution logistics. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.10 Finalize marketing and sales activities. [Supporting Evidence]; 7.11 Develop post-launch evaluation plan; 7.12 Initiate trial or limited production runs. [Supporting Evidence]; and 7.13 Test market or trial sell. [Supporting Evidence].

The Tips column states the following: Create assembly structure overview; Detail parts; assess and plan for required lead times; Maintain the preliminary bill of materials (BOM); Utilize materials requirements planning system; Develop detailed list of manufacturing operations (aka routers); Add engineering design to BOM as lowest level item; Identify need of new tooling or manufacturing processes; Begin 510(k) premarket approval with FDA- if needed- to demonstrate that the device is safe and effective; and Choose name for device/service. [Supporting Evidence].

The final row states: Gate 7: Go to Launch? PI or partner determines if production plans should be implemented through a launch of the device/service into the marketplace. [Supporting Evidence].

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Figure 6: Successful Test Market Innovation Outputs

The figure is an inverted triangle inside an inner circle, surrounded by seven rectangle boxes, going clockwise around another circle.

Figure 6 represents all stages of activity in the Need to Knowledge model because Stages 8 and 9 mirror the knowledge translation activities shown in the action cycle. The figure begins with an inverted triangle (apex at the bottom) that represents innovation creation. The triangle is broken into six layers. Moving down towards the apex the layers are labeled stages 1-3, discovery outputs, stages 4-6, invention outputs, stage 7, and finally, successful test market/ trial sell. The words generate innovation are slanted down along the side of the triangle, signifying the funneling effect as the discovery is refined into an invention, and again refined further through stage 7.

The triangle is within an outer circle that represents the action cycle (application of the output receiving successful test market/ trial sell results). As you proceed clockwise around this outer circle you begin at the bottom (apex) of the triangle just described. The first step in the action cycle is to utilize output from Stage 7 to create a final value proposition statement and post launch evaluation plan with performance metrics specific to the innovation. There is an arrow pointing to the next box, which says to use test marketing to explore ways the innovation can be used by knowledge user groups. Consider instrumental, conceptual, and/ or strategic use of the innovation for each group. The remaining five boxes state review test market results, launch innovation, monitor innovation use, evaluate outcomes, and sustain innovation use.

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Figure 7: Failed Test Market Innovation Outputs

The figure is an inverted triangle inside an inner circle, surrounded by seven rectangle boxes, going clockwise around another circle.

Figure 7 represents Stages 1-7 of the Need to Knowledge model as well as the subsequent knowledge translation activities. The figure begins with an inverted triangle (apex at the bottom) that represents innovation creation. The triangle is broken into six layers. Moving down towards the apex the layers are labeled stages 1-3, discovery outputs, stages 4-6, invention outputs, stage 7, and finally, failed test market/ trial sell. The words generate innovation are slanted down along the side of the triangle, signifying the funneling effect as the discovery is refined into an invention, and again further refined though stage 7.

The triangle is within an outer circle that represents the action cycle (application of the output receiving failed test market/ trial sell results). As you proceed clockwise around this outer circle, you begin at the bottom (the apex) of the triangle just described. The first step in the action cycle is to identify lessons learned from the innovation development process. There is an arrow pointing to the next box, which says to adapt lessons learned into tools relevant to each knowledge user group. Arrows leads to a each of the remaining five boxes, which state assess barriers, select and implement interventions to overcome barriers, monitor use, evaluate outcomes, and sustain innovation use.

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