In this article, we will demonstrate that disruption is not unique to innovation laboratories or Silicon Valley-based start-ups. It is the result of a simple thought, of new thinking applied to old issues. You will learn the distinction between innovation and disruption, see real-life examples, and learn how to spot opportunities in your everyday life.

If you desire to disrupt your market, your business, or your professional life, read on. Disruptiveness is within reach for those who watch, wonder, and take action.

What is disruptive?

To be disruptive is to defy convention, challenge the norms, and provide solutions that reshape realities. More than developing something new, being disruptive is about challenging what currently exists and making it more productive, accessible, or impactful.

In his book “Uncovering the Customer Value Chain,” Thales Teixeira highlights that disruption is not so much about technology innovation, but also about the capability to remove friction and make experiences better. This involves fixing issues customers didn’t realize they had, in the most straightforward manner.

Example? Consider the online education system  . It didn’t invent a discipline, but it transformed the traditional teaching model. It provided access to education in a more democratic and flexible way, and it broke down geographical barriers!  This is what being disruptive is: finding opportunities in the face of adversity.

Disruption is in the details!

You don’t need big technology to be disruptive. Change often comes from understanding  what matters to people and offering something that truly makes a difference.  Netflix , for example, rewrote the rules of entertainment by eliminating fixed programming schedules.  The secret? Adapting to the audience’s needs.

Challenge the status quo

Disruptive companies and professionals aren’t afraid to question. “Why do we do it this way?” they inquire. and  “How could it be different?” This curious and bold mindset is what generates ideas that revolutionize markets.

Why be disruptive?

In a world where change happens at a rapid pace, disruption is more than a competitive advantage—it’s a necessity. Being disruptive allows you to:

• Create value where none existed before.
• Positively impact society.
• Open new possibilities for growth.

Disruptive, are you ready to be?

Being disruptive requires more than creativity; it requires courage to step out of your comfort zone, observe trends, and  act before others do . After all, those who transform markets don’t wait for change—they  create it !

How to Identify Disruption Opportunities

Identifying opportunities for disruption isn’t just about technological innovation, but also about  rethinking processes, business models, and experiences to create more efficient and accessible solutions. Here are some steps that can help you identify these opportunities:

1. Observe Friction Points: Identify areas where consumers face difficulties, dissatisfaction, or barriers when consuming a product or service.
2. Explore underserved markets:  Look for consumer groups or services whose needs and functions aren’t being adequately met. A great website for finding ideas is ReclameAqui  . The gaps left by companies offering these services can be great opportunities to create value.
3. Keep an eye on behavioral and technological shifts: Changes in social behavior often open the door to disruption. For example,  customer preferences for convenience and practicality have fueled the growth of e-commerce, which in turn has fueled Amazon ‘s growth .
4. Analyze process inefficiencies: Identify processes that can be optimized. You’ve probably encountered a situation where you realized a specific function could be delivered faster if you reduced or improved some stage of its production. For example, Airbnb gained notoriety for eliminating intermediate steps in booking accommodations.
5. Look at other industries: Sometimes the inspiration for disruption comes from areas completely different from our own.  Consider what practices from other industries could be applied to your sector.
6. Prioritize customer experience: Customer experience should always be a priority, so companies that identify opportunities to improve the user experience certainly stand out.
7. Test and validate ideas: Try to validate your projects, test them on a small scale to later determine whether you should proceed with a larger investment.
8. Think outside the box: Frequently ask yourself the question “ What if? ” and think of possibilities that could add value to your goals.

Disruption and innovation:

Does innovation mean being disruptive? 

Innovation: This involves improvements and new ideas without necessarily breaking with existing models. It can occur incrementally, improving already established processes or products, or radically, creating something new. 

Example : A television with an ultra-thin, high-resolution screen is considered an incremental innovation . It improves on an existing product. 

Disruption: A change that breaks with traditional models, redefining markets and creating new standards. It occurs when a solution simplifies or democratizes something.

Example: The emergence of the digital camera was a disruption. Previously dominated by analog cameras and photographic film, it gave way to a new type of camera that replaced the use of film by capturing and storing images digitally. This eliminated the cost of purchasing “film” for use in the camera and also the cost of developing photographs.