Foreword from the Author
As long as I can remember I’ve been interested in creating ideas that solve problems. New ideas, unique ideas, novel ideas. Some were definitely better than others, but I always had fun and people told me they liked what I created.
Today, I write about creativity, innovation and design thinking. I share experiences from my projects, I include references from my classrooms, and resources that help me do my job as an innovator.
Review the articles, find something of interest and dig in. If you ask a question, I’ll answer. If you share a comment, I’ll reply. If you want to talk we’ll schedule a call. You see, this is what I do for fun – I’m just looking for people who want to play.
Executive Cheatsheet: What’s the difference between critical thinking, design thinking, and human-centered design?
Critical thinking is a general cognitive skill focused on rational analysis and decision-making. Design thinking is a creative problem-solving approach focusing on empathy and user-centric solutions. Human-centered design is a broader concept encompassing critical and design thinking, emphasizing the importance of user needs and preferences in problem-solving and design processes.
Unlocking Creativity and Expertise: The Benefits of an Apprenticeship with a Design Consultant
Kevin Popovic, Education Manager for Design Lab at UC San Diego, explains that in a competitive job market, undergraduate students are constantly seeking opportunities to gain a competitive edge and enhance their employability. One avenue that has gained significant recognition is apprenticeships with experienced design consultants. These apprenticeships offer students a unique chance to delve into the world of design thinking and apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects.
Inside a Design-a-thon: How an Innovation Funnel Impacts Wildfires in California
Kevin Popovic, Program Designer for Design Lab, explains why the innovation funnel works. “An innovation funnel facilitates the things that need to happen in order for a group of people to generate new ideas that solve a problem. First, they need to LEARN about the challenge. Next, they have to WORK together to identify a problem and create a solution in a short amount of time. By identifying groups of like-minded people, the can collaborate to DEVELOP and idea to PRESENT the thinking behind their solutions to help experts evaluate how the new idea can impact the problem.”
#DoSomething: Our part in solving the problems of #COVID19
Recently, there has been a change in my feelings that has come from my work with others who are also feeling the same way, and are focusing on creating new ideas that solve the short and long term new problems associated with finding our new normal.
What’s Your Problem? Understanding how to identify the real problem to solve in a crisis.
The mission critical part of solving a problem is confirming that you’re working on the right problem. The problem is that the direction is often an assumption, opinion or repeat of something that has been done before, but it does assume that they know what the problem really is.
Collaborate on The How-To Guide for Creativity + Innovation
It's unfortunate, but most people are not confident with their creativity. Consequently, neither are their teams or organizations. When we were very young, our creativity knew no bounds. Simple drawings received praise from our parents, and recognition on the refrigerator door. The positive reinforcement inspired more drawings, and the continuous cycle created confidence.
The Idea Guy® Partners With IdeaScale Adding Creativity Training To Innovation Management
SAN DIEGO, Monday. November 11, 2019 – The Idea Guy®, an expert in creating new ideas that solve problems, has partnered with IdeaScale, the world’s largest cloud-based innovation software platform, to collaborate on best-in-class training programs with worldwide reach.
Playbook: How to Create an Innovation Funnel
If you don't have a process to create new ideas, your company is not likely to have new ideas. Companies need new ideas to compete. Leadership needs ideas that solve a specific problem, when they need them, and within budget. Management needs clear direction on the problem, and a method to communicate up the chain and down the line. Employees need to know how they can contribute, and that their contributions are valued.
Lecture: How to Solve Business Problems Using Creativity
Every CEO has a business problem, and every one of them can be solved with a good idea. In my lecture, attendees learn a process for generating solutions to business problems using Design Thinking, and understand how to apply the process to theirs. With the addition of a Project Plan, a CEO can move confidently into addressing the issues that impact their brand, their differentiation or revenue goals.
