Why Your Idea Systems Are Just Popularity Contests

I find the same issue everywhere I work: idea systems devolve into popularity contests. I believe idea management systems are often a complete waste of time.

Companies typically rely on multiple spreadsheets or invest in cumbersome and expensive idea management systems, which are largely ineffective.

Pick me, pick me!

Having a central idea repository and a single idea backlog is crucial. However, the problem with the idea management systems I've seen is that they turn into popularity contests. They fail because people often take action based on the number of votes an idea receives, which is largely meaningless validation.

Idea management systems are straightforward: people add ideas, describe the customer problem, and propose a smart solution. Everyone in the organisation can access and build on these ideas, which is positive. The issue arises when the process involves voting on ideas. Votes are fine for engagement and culture, but they shouldn't carry weight in decision-making.

Votes are merely opinions based on unvalidated assumptions.
It's essential not to use these votes as indicators of whether to invest in an idea.

Votes show that many people internally think it's a great idea with value. However, the next step should be to put these ideas into a backlog or prioritisation matrix and run experiments to test their viability.

In my view, the Holy Grail is integrating an idea management and capture system with a rapid experimentation system. We're aiming to do this with Rapidly, and we're busy incorporating AI to accelerate the process.

I'm eager to hear your thoughts. While these systems may benefit culture, they are detrimental to deciding what to work on. What's your opinion?