Lessons on Innovation from Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go was worth paying attention to, because it's a disruptor. Much like PicoP will be. 

While the game was under development, it got no attention from anyone. It was almost completely under the radar of the general (and investing) public until the game was released. It then went from being unknown, to the most popular mobile device game almost instantly. 

The following will likely be true of PicoP as well. 


CISCO Blogs --- A lot more at the source


The real take-away from Pokémon Go is that it shows market transitions can come from anywhere—even a game meant for kids of all ages. There’s no better time for innovators to take an augmented reality check on market disruptions.

1. Market transitions often expose new ways to do business

They shift our perspective, present different ways of looking at things, transform experiences, change behaviors and create new business models.

Pokémon Go, which instantly became the most popular mobile device game of all time, did all of the above. In record time, it has disrupted its market and adjacent ones.

2. Market transitions can come from anywhere

Market transitions challenge our beliefs and biases. They force us to open our minds, cock our heads at an angle, and think, “Aha! Maybe we can do it a different way.” In addition, here comes an “Aha! Moment” from Pokémon Go. How does this social phenomenon influence your business?

Today, however, a disruptive solution can blindside anyone from around corners they didn’t know existed. It’s critical to keep your finger on the pulse of innovation everywhere–and understand how it might apply to you.


No single company can keep pace by itself with the speed and complexity of today’s customer-driven, digital economy. Large companies focused on incremental or leapfrog game-changers must collaborate and co-innovate with an expanding ecosystem of startups, entrepreneurs and programmers.

4. Embrace transitions before it’s too late

One thing is certain: Once-mighty brands that failed to anticipate or react fast enough to market transitions will continue to fill up graveyards. Kodak didn’t understand the impact of smart phones . . . Borders didn’t respond fast enough to Amazon . . . Blockbuster never recovered from Netflix . . . will Yellow Cab adjust to Uber?

Today, market transitions and their disruptive innovations will keep coming in never-ending waves all around us. They can mean the difference between life and death for any company. Learn how to spot them early, appreciate their power, adjust quickly, and you can ride their crest to new shores of opportunity.