INNOVATION | Harnessing the power of ideas
Flash Video Player Loading Please Wait...
More Video
Feature
-
Prominent Scientist Says Power to Innovate Lies in Everyone
David Pensak's propensity for innovation has led to 38 patents and made him a multimillionaire. His best-known patent is for an Internet firewall. Now he teaches how to innovate, by identifying the problem and then logically solving it.
-
-
-
Step One: Developing Ideas
Innovation is rooted in the belief that nothing is impossible. Innovators are not content to accept the way things are. They use their imagination to make the impossible possible.
An innovator asks, “Why do we do it this way? Can I come up with a better solution?”
Anyone -- from a scientist to a young student -- might identify something to improve the world or simply make life easier. But the idea is only the first step to innovation!
Related article: Hyperefficient, Supersafe Car Envisioned by International Group
-
-
-
Step 2: Asking Questions
An idea might sound great at first, but it is a long way from inspiration to final product. Perhaps someone else already tried that idea. Maybe it worked; maybe it did not.
An innovator asks, “What have others done? Did it work? If not, why not? If it worked, could I do it better? If no one has ever tried this, why not?”
The answers to these questions might generate new ideas and better plans.
Related article: Ask Questions
-
-
-
Step 3: Planning
No idea can work without a plan. This is where the innovator thinks through the process from idea to reality. Drawings, models or a full-size prototype might bring an idea to life.
An innovator asks, “What resources do I have? What materials do I need and where can I find them? Is there anyone out there who can help me with this? How am I going to fund this?”
These questions all come before asking, “Does my idea actually work?"
Related article: Try Things Yourself
-
-
-
Step 4: Testing
Trial and error is the real-world test of an idea. Innovation usually cannot exist without failure because very few ideas work as intended on the first try. That doesn’t mean they’re bad ideas, but it does show improvements are needed.
An innovator asks, “Does my idea work? If not, why not? How can I improve it?”
Once the product works, it is time to tell others about the great idea and how it will help or entertain them.
Related article: EPA, Ford Test Promising Clean Diesel Technology
-
-
-
Step 5: Marketing
What good is an idea if only one person knows about it? The innovator must show others why they should want or need an innovation.
An innovator asks, “Who would want or use my product? How can I let people know about it?"
A marketing plan could be an elaborate media blitz or a simple word-of-mouth campaign. Either way, an innovation needs to seize the attention of potential customers.
Related article: Principles of Entrepreneurship
-
-