Where does innovation come from?
That's an individual answer for each of us, but the common element in all innovation is that it comes from what we already know.
In other words, new products and services stem from existing products and services. When Edison invented the light bulb, most people equated electricity with electric lights and nothing more. It took awhile, but people eventually began to realize that electricity could be used to power electric motors, refrigerators and washing machines.
One idea grew into many others.
That's an individual answer for each of us, but the common element in all innovation is that it comes from what we already know.
In other words, new products and services stem from existing products and services. When Edison invented the light bulb, most people equated electricity with electric lights and nothing more. It took awhile, but people eventually began to realize that electricity could be used to power electric motors, refrigerators and washing machines.
One idea grew into many others.
No one could imagine the earliest cell phones (car phones, remember?) could be used to take photos and surf the Internet, but one idea has led to another.
The late Steve Jobs explained it this way: "Creativity is just connecting things." He had the ability to see how new ideas meshed with old ideas. Often, he caused people to want what they didn't even know they were missing.
I saw a recent Tweet that something like, "Tell me how we put a man on the Moon before we put wheels on suitcases." What seems so obvious now is a fairly recent innovation. It took a few sore shoulders and backs before someone finally said, there must be a better way.
Chances are, you know something that could be adapted into something better, cheaper or more efficient. Keep an open mind as you go through your routines, and don't be afraid to ask "Why?" or "Why not?"
The late Steve Jobs explained it this way: "Creativity is just connecting things." He had the ability to see how new ideas meshed with old ideas. Often, he caused people to want what they didn't even know they were missing.
I saw a recent Tweet that something like, "Tell me how we put a man on the Moon before we put wheels on suitcases." What seems so obvious now is a fairly recent innovation. It took a few sore shoulders and backs before someone finally said, there must be a better way.
Chances are, you know something that could be adapted into something better, cheaper or more efficient. Keep an open mind as you go through your routines, and don't be afraid to ask "Why?" or "Why not?"
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