What does the term innovation refer to in engineering?

The term innovation in engineering primarily refers to the process of improving upon existing products, systems, or processes. This encompasses not just the creation of entirely new designs but also enhancements that make existing solutions more efficient, effective, or user-friendly. By focusing on improvements, innovation allows engineers to build on established technologies, leveraging existing knowledge and design to create better solutions.

This approach is critical in engineering as it encourages continuous development and adaptation in response to user needs and market demands. Therefore, innovation can lead to advancements that significantly impact functionality, user experience, and overall performance without necessarily reinventing the wheel.

While a completely new design might play a role in innovation, the essence of the term is more robustly captured by advancements to current systems. Additionally, focusing on purely decorative aspects or temporary solutions does not encapsulate the full breadth of what innovation entails in a thoughtful engineering context.