Inside SRAM’s Advanced Progress Department: Where Innovation Takes Flight (adn Sometimes Falls)
The world of cycling technology is constantly evolving, and at the heart of much of that innovation lies SRAM’s Advanced Development (AD) department.It’s a place where engineers aren’t afraid to push boundaries, experiment with radical ideas, and, crucially, learn from what doesn’t work. I’ve found that this willingness to embrace failure is often the key ingredient in groundbreaking success.
The AD department isn’t focused on incremental improvements to existing products. Rather, it’s a skunkworks – a dedicated team tasked with exploring entirely new concepts, even if they seem far-fetched. This freedom from immediate market pressures allows for a level of creativity rarely found elsewhere in the industry.
A Culture of Experimentation
What sets this team apart? It’s the permission to fail. Many companies shy away from projects that carry a high risk of not panning out. However, SRAM’s AD department actively encourages exploration, understanding that not every idea will become a commercial product.
Here’s what makes this approach so effective:
* Reduced pressure: Without the immediate need to deliver a revenue-generating product,engineers can focus on pure innovation.
* Accelerated Learning: Failures provide invaluable insights, informing future projects and preventing the repetition of mistakes.
* Unconventional Thinking: A safe surroundings for experimentation fosters a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
“We’re lucky,” explains Kevin Wesling, Director of Advanced Development at SRAM. “We get to experiment without pressure. And if something doesn’t work, that’s okay. We learn. That’s the point.”
From Flops to Flagship Products
You might be surprised to learn that some of SRAM’s most prosperous products – Flight Attendant, DoubleTap, and eTap – all originated within the AD department’s experimental process.It’s a testament to the power of iterative development and the importance of embracing setbacks.
I’ve always believed that true innovation isn’t a linear path. It’s a messy, iterative process filled with dead ends and unexpected discoveries. The AD department embodies this beliefs.
Seeing prototypes and hearing about projects that didn’t quite make the cut offers a refreshing perspective.It’s a reminder that even the most polished products have a history of experimentation and refinement behind them.
The Value of Unfettered Exploration
The AD department’s work isn’t just about developing new technologies. It’s about cultivating a culture of innovation within SRAM. By providing a space for engineers to explore, experiment, and learn, the company is investing in its future.
Here’s what works best when fostering innovation:
* dedicated Resources: Providing a dedicated team and budget for experimental projects.
* Autonomy: Giving engineers the freedom to pursue their ideas without excessive oversight.
* Open Communication: Encouraging the sharing of knowledge and lessons learned, both successes and failures.
Ultimately, SRAM’s Advanced Development department is a reminder that innovation isn’t about avoiding failure. It’s about embracing it as a crucial part of the process. It’s a place where the pursuit of the unfeasible leads to the creation of the remarkable.