Final answer:
User-led innovation involves involving users in the innovation process, while lead user methods focus on collaborating with innovative users. These approaches impact the innovation process by leveraging user knowledge and insights. An example is LEGO's collaboration with AFOLs for the LEGO Architecture series.
Step-by-step explanation:
User-led innovation is a concept in which users, rather than the organization, are at the center of the innovation process. It involves actively involving users in the development and design of products or services. Lead user methods, on the other hand, involve identifying and collaborating with innovative users who are ahead of the mainstream market and have unique needs and insights.
These approaches impact the innovation process inside organizations by tapping into the knowledge and creativity of users. By involving users in the innovation process, organizations gain valuable insights and feedback that can guide their product or service development. This can lead to more customer-oriented and successful innovations.
For example, LEGO used user-led innovation to revitalize its products. The company actively engaged with its adult fan community, known as AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO), who had unique design ideas and insights. LEGO collaborated with these lead users to create innovative sets that appealed to adult consumers, such as the LEGO Architecture series.