WIT-LAB: COMPANY R&D
WIT LAB is our internal department for R&D Activities.
METHODOLOGY
At WIT-LAB we are following an approach based on the Lean Startup methodology [1-3]. This methodology promotes experimentation over overly elaborate planning, values customer feedback over the intuition of R&D staff, and promotes a more iterative design approach in creating product innovation. Our adaptation of the methodology comprehends the following phases:
Phase 1: Ideation
In this first phase, we create a backlog of ideas and hypotheses collected from customer feedback, industry articles, and competitor analysis. We define a set of ideas and hypotheses that we intend to validate and measure. Research is conducted on the state of the art, as well as techniques, algorithms, and technologies that we may need to prototype and validate these ideas/hypotheses.
Phase 2: Prototyping
In this phase, we start by creating technical specifications and defining the use cases for the prototypes or MVPs we intend to build. After this phase, functional prototypes are created, or in some cases an MVP. In both cases, we need to create something demonstrable that can be unequivocally used to evaluate and validate the initial ideas/hypotheses.
Phase 3: Benchmarking and Validation
In this phase, we must perform functional validation of the prototypes or MVPs developed. In certain cases, it is advisable to conduct usability, performance, scalability, reliability, and security tests. These tests or experiments are conducted at the WIT Lab and should be oriented towards validating the initial hypotheses. Special attention should be paid to the robustness of the prototypes to avoid bugs in demonstration sessions with potential clients, situations that can completely overshadow the potential of the initial idea.
Phase 4: Feedback Collection
The true validation of the initial ideas or hypotheses is done in demonstration sessions where we collect feedback from potential clients. We generally conduct these demonstrations with current clients or prospective clients at sector events organized by the GSMA. Feedback is collected and analyzed in a neutral manner.
Phase 5: Pivot or Evolve
Based on the results and feedback obtained, the WIT-Lab team must make a decision: either abandon the initial idea/hypothesis and return to phase 1, or use the prototype/MVP to evolve, which in some cases may involve returning to phase 2. After some refinements, results are expected either in the form of “go” or “no-go”.
These 5 phases are part of a “Build-Measure-Learn” cycle, and when validated results are achieved, they are included in the product line.
[1] Eric Ries, “The Lean Startup: how constant innovation creates radically successful businesses”
[2] Steve Blank, “The Four Steps to the Epiphany: successful strategies for products that win”
[3] Ash Maurya, “Running Lean: iterate from Plan A to plan that works”
AREAS OF R&D INVESTMENT
5G ENABLERS AND APPLICATIONS
MOBILE PAYMENTS AND FINTECH
WEB3 AND BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY
GENERATIVE AI AND MACHINE LEARNING