In a recent New York Times article, Innovative Minds Don’t Think Alike, Janet Rae-Dupree offers some insights into the paradox of knowledge use in the innovation process. Innovation happens when the right knowledge and problem intersect, but as Janet points out, our knowledge frames our thinking. This means that the very seed of innovation also can be the source of the psychological inertia that prevents the innovative spark from igniting.
In the article a common approach is mentioned. Cynthia Barton Rabe’s proposal to keep creativity and innovation on track by bringing in outsiders whom she calls zero-gravity thinkers is cited from her 2006 book, “Innovation Killer: How What We Know Limits What We Can Imagine — and What Smart Companies Are Doing About It.” However, the dynamics of scaling this concept while maintaining the quality of concepts surfaced can be problematic.
Another approach is to tap into global intelligence using technology. With the advancement of concept retrieval technology, it is now practical to perform targeted concept harvesting from a vast sea of global information. These methods allow precise and high-quality concept identification that is scalable. More importantly, the concepts harvested will expand the designer’s mental box by sourcing high value ideas from domains of experience not apparent to the designer.
Access to new thinking must be complemented with sustainable innovation best practices however. No matter how the new ideas are found, their value may not be realized if they are assessed through the lens of preconception. This is where innovation discipline pays huge dividends. The designer following repeatable innovation methodologies is forced to step back and view the problem and the possible solution concepts more objectively.
How are you addressing the innovation~knowledge paradox?
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