Dell's Ideastorm Co-creation

Dell has launched a web site called Dell IdeaStorm: Where Your Ideas Reign. The site solicits users to submit their good ideas for Dell, their products and their services. Judging from the postings on teh main page, customers, portential customers and employees alike are really engaged in sending in ideas.

Here are some of the post headlines:

• "Build computers not loaded with extra software"
• "More RAM!"
• "What I like to see is new and innovative styling across the board on notebooks and desktops. Dell's product line looks 5yrs old and needs a total refresh
• "Organize the sales pages by need, not product line"
• "No more over seas tech support (sic)"
• "Have Michael Dell in the Dell Commercials"
• "Could Dell Own Green? "

The "About" page was astutely written by PR folks who try to tie this innitiative to the founding heritage of the company. I think they succeed. Here's how they describe the intent behind Ideastrom (IBM did something similar internally some years back):

"It is with this mindset that we created Ideastorm. The name is a take-off on the word “brainstorm” and it is our way of building an online community that brings all of us closer to the creative side of technology by allowing you to share ideas and interact with other customers and Dell experts. You can suggest new products or services you’d like to see Dell develop or tell the world how you feel about major trends in technology and society. We hope this site fosters a candid and robust conversation about your ideas. "

The site has Digg-like voting funcitonality. I applaud them for answering most obvious questions including this one:

"Will I be compensated if my idea is implemented by Dell or another company?

• At this time, there are no material rewards associated with Ideastorm. Please see the Terms of Use for more information"

What happens to all of these great ideas? Time will tell. Currently the "Ideas in Action" page reads as follows:

" Dell IdeaStorm launched on Friday, February 16. Dell employees are monitoring IdeaStorm to gauge which ideas are most important and most relevant to you. And we'll share those ideas throughout our organization to trigger new thoughts about how we evolve as a company.

As your ideas begin to pour in, we will use this page to provide updates on ideas that Dell is considering. We'll also show you how your ideas are being put into action at Dell over time. Please check back to see your ideas in action."

I actually like this type of co-creation, SO LONG AS DELL DOES SOMETHING WITH THE IDEAS AND COMMUNICATES THAT PROMPTLY. With all of the challenges they have had in the past, I cannot see them doing anything but taking this seriously.

Comments

[RichardatDELL]

Hi John

Thanks for taking a look at Dell's Ideastorm and for your perspective on this venture.

As you suggest, and I can confirm we do take this seriously. We view it as a further extension of Dell's direct model and the value that comes with the 1:1 connection with customers.

I think you will see that we will do something with the ideas. I expect that the Ideas in action page should have some commentary within a week or so.

[RichardatDELL]

Hi John

Thanks for taking a look at Dell's Ideastorm and for your perspective on this venture.

As you suggest, and I can confirm we do take this seriously. We view it as a further extension of Dell's direct model and the value that comes with the 1:1 connection with customers.

I think you will see that we will do something with the ideas. I expect that the Ideas in action page should have some commentary within a week or so.

[J. Arthur]

Could you tell me, on what criteria(s) is the ideas generated screen or reveiwed