An Innovation Experiment: Lessons from HP Sprocket
- Chris Burgess
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Remember the HP Sprocket?
If you were into pocket-sized gadgets in the mid-2010s, you might recall HP’s Sprocket—a portable photo printer that let users edit and print Instagram-worthy snaps on sticky-backed paper. Launched in 2016, it became a surprise hit, selling 1.5 million units in its first two years. The Sprocket wasn’t just a product; it was a cultural phenomenon. HP’s then-CEO, Dion Weisler, even hailed it as a key player in “revitalizing consumer printing” in the 2017 shareholders’ report. With millions of young users printing memories, the Sprocket had undeniable product-market fit.
But then HP decided to push further.
The AR Gamble: When an Innovation Experiment Fails
In a bid to stay ahead of tech trends, HP’s Sprocket team asked: “What if we add augmented reality?” Prototypes were built, focus groups were convened, and feedback was gathered. But when users previewed the AR features, their reaction was lukewarm at best. “Meh,” summed it up.
Yet, HP charged ahead.
By 2020, the Sprocket app boasted AR features like:
This innovation experiment, while ultimately unsuccessful, provided a valuable lesson: 'just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.' The AR tools failed to gain traction, resulting in costly development and no ROI, leading to HP's removal of AR in 2020.
5 Lessons from the Sprocket Saga
User Testing Is Golden, But Only If You Listen
HP correctly tested AR concepts with focus groups. The mistake was not taking the 'meh' seriously. User feedback is a crucial guide, not just a formality. When your target audience is unenthusiastic, reconsider. Ensure the feature genuinely enhances the existing user experience.
Early Prototyping, Reduced Risk:
The prototyping of AR allowed us to avoid substantial, uninformed development costs. The lesson is to validate concepts prior to significant investment. Just don't dismiss feedback you don't wish to hear.
Protect Your Product-Market Fit
The Sprocket succeeded because it nailed a simple, emotional need: turning digital moments into tangible keepsakes. Adding AR cluttered the experience. Lesson: Innovate around your core value, not away from it.
Know When to Pivot or Pull the Plug
Even though users weren't embracing AR, HP was determined to push forward with it, illustrating the risk of staying committed to a direction that isn't working. Sometimes, the bravest move is to drop a feature.
Tech for Tech’s Sake Is a Trap
AR wasn’t inherently bad. One user even lamented its removal: “I bought the Sprocket for AR… What the heck? I’m bummed.” But for most, it clearly added little to no value. Innovation should be driven by user needs, not by the desire to implement every new idea.
Enhancing Experience, Not Just Adding Features
The Sprocket’s story isn’t a failure, it’s a masterclass in balancing ambition with user-centric design. Yes, experiment. Yes, prototype. But always ensure your innovation provides genuine value, whether by solving a problem or enhancing an existing behaviour. And crucially, back your decisions with user data.
Remember, innovation isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about making good things better. However, the key is that 'better' is defined by the user, not by the latest tech trend.
Ask yourself:
Does this align with how people already use our product?
Is the value obvious to users, or just to us?
Can we prove its impact with data, not just enthusiasm?
Users must experience a demonstrable enhancement for a 'cool' feature to be valuable. Prioritise building what users truly value, not just what feels futuristic. As HP learned, the best products resonate because they work and improve the user's experience.
What’s a feature you loved that got axed? Share your “RIP” tech stories below!
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