[ID Discuss] Convention versus innovation

[Sandeep Jain]

Consistency is touted as an important principle of UI
design.  Arguments are made about focusing on user
needs, and avoiding stringent adherence to external
and internal consistencies.  But, nonetheless, taking
advantage of user habits is a good thing for ease of
learning and intuitiveness etc.

What is the criteria for choosing an innovative design
over a conventional one? In addition, how does one go
about convincing non-designer, decision makers
(product managers etc) to take a chance with an
innovative design?  How does one challenge the
statement: "But Microsoft doesn't do it that way?"

To complicate matters, let's say that the context is
UI design jobs where contact with users is limited and
it isn't easy to get evidence from the field.

Views on this discussion topic will be much
appreciated.

SAndeep