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Shapes, Knowledge and Innovation
Innovation involves a process that is a result of exchanges of viewpoints and of taking decisions by way of conceptualizing and positioning a product in the market. But the result is only an assemblage of forms, lines, proportions, colors, mechanisms and technology that have little significance in and of themselves, if not of their exchange value that underlies their power of compensating for a social lack. Most often, innovation that is successful in the market shows optimization and harmony between performance and esthetics in all that is perceived and experienced by all those who are involved with the product. It is in this perspective, that a theory of form becomes inevitable to explain the contribution of chosen angular elements, certain notable proportions, their connections and complementary nature to esthetics, harmony, and efficiency. In this chapter, we present a theory of form, its principal fundamentals, its implications in natural and artificial categories, and its method of application. We shall then describe the quantification of forms and proportions of two recent innovations in potable products. Finally, we shall bring the managerial contributions to bear upon the knowledge of theory and practice of form, based upon the chosen angles and remarkable proportions in the creative and analytical process linked to innovation.
