In order to explore some of the potentially problematic implications of introducing new technologies into school classrooms, this paper focuses on one particular instance of innovation. The study introduces ThinkSpace - a specific educational tool - comprised of concept mapping and a wiki. It is aimed at facilitating the learning of higher order skills and construction of coherent understanding of complex concepts. The paper investigates the processes of conceptualisation and experimentation that must be carried out in order to achieve a product that meets both the developer’s aspirations for the tool, and also those of the teacher who is to use it.