To some extent, I agree that we should innovate based on user’s point of view and needs. I mean, hey, that’s where the money came from. But I tend to support the idea that innovation is ignited by self ambition and internal needs of self fulfillment. With this idea, one would not easily tempted by market needs. Rather, one would strive from his own desire, to make herself a better person and to produce better ideas based on what she already good at.

Innovation should not force us to become someone other than ourselves.

You mention the details of an experience or the micro-interactions adding up to that “wow” feeling. Perhaps it is that “wow” that you relate to gut feeling? That seems right to me but still relates a lot more to usability and good design based on user insight in my mind.

Finally, as someone who is entrenched in the study and development of repeatable and reliable methods of innovation I have some trouble characterizing the over all future of innovation so closely with a “gut feeling”. I do believe “gut feeling” has a lot to do with the powerful pattern recognition and realization mechanism that is the human brain but “gut feeling” is generally characterized by a simple thoughtless reaction that works out.

Nice post!