Lead User

Description

"A term developed by Eric von Hippel in 1986. His definition for lead user is:

1. Lead users face needs that will be general in a marketplace – but face them months or years before the bulk of that marketplace encounters them, and

2. Lead users are positioned to benefit significantly by obtaining a solution to those needs.

In other words: Lead users are users of a product that currently experience needs still unknown to the public and who also benefit greatly if they obtain a solution to these needs." (http://www.bravenewcollaboration.com/concepts/)