Design-driven innovation focuses on innovating product meanings. This concept has been studied since the early 2000s from a variety of perspectives, and in different contexts. This paper presents a review of published research. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding on the contribution of design-driven innovation to value creation. In a systematic literature review, 57 papers and book chapters on this subject were identified and analyzed. The facets of design-driven innovation which contribute to value creation were identified through an iterative coding process. The value of design-driven innovation is created by including a focus on the intangible values of products. Five facets of design-driven innovation which contribute to value creation have been identified: (1) understanding new product meanings; (2) required knowledge; (3) actors and collaborations; (4) capabilities; and, (5) process. These facets, and the connections between them, are presented in a theoretical framework. This paper contributes to theory by presenting the theoretical framework that provides an overview of available knowledge and that creates a context for future research. The main practical implication is that the five facets are connected and reinforce each other. Therefore, companies need to approach design-driven innovation from a holistic perspective.

This paper discusses the enablers and barriers to design-driven innovation at a Swedish wood furniture wholesaler. Design-driven innovation focuses on innovating the purpose a product has to a customer. This is a relatively new concept which is not yet thoroughly explored. A case study is conducted to identify the enablers and barriers to this type of innovation. In line with literature, the enablers were identified prior, throughout and after product development, whereas the barriers were only found in later phases. To conclude, this paper will present implications and suggestions for further research on the enablers and barriers to design-driven innovation.

Design thinking (DT) is the application of design practice as an approach to innovate and initiate change. Recently, DT has received increasing attention as an approach to address sustainability challenges. However, this area is less studied. The purpose of this study was to explore how DT could enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Swedish wood products industry to create more sustainable offers. Various actors from this industry have identified the need to develop sustainable offers, although few discuss how this is realized. Interviews have been conducted with six SMEs to increase understanding on challenges they perceive with developing sustainable products. Current practice is compared to potential benefits of DT described in literature. Three main benefits of DT for SMEs have been identified. It could enable SMEs [1] to redefine the purpose of their offers, [2] to better address needs and [3] to address conflicting requirements regarding sustainability.