Innovation Geometry is a set of trans-disciplinary innovation model. On the basis of the two-dimensional indicators of innovation containing technology and market, comprehensively integrating people, product, aesthetics and trend to construct the spacial model of Innovation Design. It also introduces the fourth dimension of time, to create a dynamic model that could change during the time. Innovation Geometry model was originally created for corporations to conduct organizational diagnosis, research and development innovation and reference for future strategy. This project studies the application of Innovation Geometry model in design education, especially in exploring future opportunities.

There are six elements in the Innovation Geometry model that need to be considered and studied during the teaching process of exploring future innovative opportunities.

The first step to construct the possibility of future innovation is to establish a topic worth researching. “People” represents the insight into the fundamental needs of human, not only implies to solve the problems and improve the user experience, but also to explore the potential needs. In combination with extensive observation, visit and preliminary research of people, it is more important to find a valuable re-search question than to find a right answer. “Product” does not emphasise the direct satisfaction of user needs, but lies in the development of new and valuable product categories. Its form does not necessarily refer to physical equipment, but may also be a virtual service process. During the exploration of futures, products of future could be imagined based on current situation, but a deep analysis of the certain industry, functions and product groups can be helpful. “Aesthetics” refers to artistic expression, concept, taste or modelling, etc., which covers the appearance of physical results to the virtual pleasure and satisfaction.

“Trend” refers to the research and forward-looking prediction of future lifestyles. Through the study of changes and developments in sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics and culture, we are able to predict the potential trends of people’s prospective lifestyle, which offers a guidance to form an innovative projection to adapt for the future. “Market” refers to the business situation and the change of market demand to promote innovation. “Technology” means the new ability brought by scientific re-search and technological inventions that can be provided for future innovative out-comes. Market-driven innovation, technology-driven innovation and design-driven innovation have been widely discussed in the past.

Innovation Geometry model aims to integrate, rather than isolate the factors that drive innovation. The above elements do not have a linear sequence, and dynamically coexist in the three-dimensional model.

Based on the spatial changes of the Innovation Geometry model, innovation can be divided into three categories: incremental innovation, revolutionary innovation and strategic innovation. The author takes the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts as the experimental site to develop the undergraduate teaching framework of In- novation Design. Through Innovation Design students apply designerly, scientific, and ultimately humanist processes to explore the complex needs of our current society into the future and sustainable innovative solutions. It includes three parts: Innovative Methods, Design Engineering and Trends Design.

Insights are drawn equally from the humanities as from science and technology and interpreted using interdisciplinary innovation techniques. The aim is to cultivate innovative talents with inter- national vision, cross-domain design process, trans-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and social insight.

A useful way Innovation Design distinguishes between innovations is via the fourth dimension time of the Innovation Geometry model: the 1-3 year near future targeting "incremental innovation design", the 3-5 year mid-term future focused on "revolutionary innovation", and the 5+ year future discussion of “strategic design”.