Strategies for Innovation
- Innovation can come from different sources.
- Some ideas appear suddenly, while others are borrowed from nature or another industry.
- Some inventions happen by accident, and some because the market demands them.
- Let’s break it down with new examples and relatable analogies.
Act of Insight (Sudden Idea)
An innovation that happens when a person suddenly connects the dots and sees a solution.
NoteThe Super Soaker – Lonnie Johnson, a NASA engineer, was experimenting with a heat pump when he accidentally shot a stream of water across the room. He immediately realized it could be turned into a powerful water gun.
Analogy- Imagine trying to open a stuck jar of pickles.
- In frustration, you tap the lid with a spoon, and suddenly, it opens easily.
- You weren’t planning to invent a new way to open jars, but you just did!
Adaptation (Using an Idea from Another Field)
A solution from one industry is adapted to solve a different problem.
ExampleNike's Air Cushioning – The idea for Nike’s air-cushioned sneakers came from technology used in space helmets. A former NASA engineer adapted the shock-absorbing material to create better shock-absorbing shoes.
Analogy- Think about how you might use a book as a doorstop.
- The book was meant for reading, but you adapted it to keep the door open.
Technology Transfer (Using an Existing Technology in a New Way)
A technology created for one purpose is later applied to something completely different.
ExampleScratch-Resistant Lenses – The technology for scratch-resistant coatings was first developed by NASA to protect astronaut visors. It was later used for eyeglasses and phone screens.
Analogy- It’s like using a hairdryer to speed up paint drying.
- The hairdryer was meant for drying hair, but you transferred the idea to a new situation.
