Connecting The Dots: Open Innovation Portal to Identify End-User Products
The Connecting The Dots: Open Innovation Portal to identify End-User Products Umbrella Working Group (UWG #7) is advancing use-inspired research by creating pathways to bridge gaps between researchers, product developers, and end-users. By focusing on iteration of a real-world application and fostering collaboration, this initiative worked on iterating an approach to breaking down structural barriers that hinder innovation.
Addressing Unmet Needs Through Use-Inspired Research
The working group, along with its spinoff UWG 7S, has been dedicated to identifying and addressing unmet needs across various fields, culminating in a focus on perinatal behavioral health. Through extensive research and stakeholder engagement, they recognized a critical gap in this area—where improved collaboration could lead to significant advancements in care and support.
Ideating a 24/7 Information Hub
To bridge the disconnect among stakeholders, the group initially conceptualized a 24/7 information hub designed to connect researchers, developers, and practitioners. This hub aimed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and improve accessibility to critical information, was ideated to be a place where anyone can submit a research or resource inquiry to alert the specific unmet need they have experienced, connect with stakeholders that work or assist in the related field and receive training and support to engage in use inspired research development. As part of their efforts, they conducted interviews and a market study to better understand the existing landscape and the key challenges practitioners face.
Uncovering Structural Barriers to Innovation
Through their research, the team discovered that widespread structural isolation—the absence of collaborative environments or incentives—was a major factor limiting progress. Across fields examined, a lack of integration between different stakeholders was found to slow down the development and adoption of innovative solutions.
To further explore these challenges, a Community Working Group (CWG) of six members was formed. This group held discussions to explore collective experiences and identify major needs within subfields of perinatal behavioral health.
Capacity-Building Pilot and Knowledge Sharing
The working group’s efforts extended beyond research and analysis into developing a pilot of a capacity-building initiative targeting perinatal behavioral health. This initiative was presented at the Postpartum Support International Meeting in July 2024 and at the Society for Neuroscience Meeting in October 2024, further amplifying awareness and fostering collaboration within the field. By focusing on user-driven needs, the working group is helping to ensure that scientific advancements lead to tangible, impactful solutions in the real world.
Members of UWG #7 and the spinoff include Simal Ozen Irmak, Utku Irmak, Prakash D. Nallathamby, Anushree Badola, and Tavise Morabia.
Work related to this post was funded under NSF Grant #FAIN-2309541.