The Art of Innovation Ch. 4-6

Chapter Four
1. Brainstorm does not equal a regular meeting
- no taking notes
- no order
- no more than 1-1.5 hrs

Seven Secrets for Better Brainstorming
1. Sharpen the Focus
- edgy > fuzzy (statements)
- focus outwards (public's need rather than organization's)
2. Playful Rules
3. Number your Ideas
4. Build and Jump
-keeps it from getting stagnant
-keeps energy up
5. The Space Remembers
-try a warm-up
-"show and tell"
7. Get Physical
-sketching, mind mapping, diagrams, stick figures

The Brainstormer Effect
-puts a team on course
-rush of adrenaline
-ripple effect

Chapter Five: Hot Groups

1. idea of a "lone genius" is a myth
  throw out --> self-limiting paranoia
                  --> loner status
                  --> safety
2. hot group
-dedication
-enthusiasm
-deadlines
-well-rounded/diverse
-work in open, eclectic space
-empowered to get what they need
3. passion motivates
-tangible goal
-work = play
- crazy deadlines/unreachable goals
4. Eliminate "they"- everyone in it together
5. Create an abundance mentality
6. teams > individuals
7. Gives lots of gifts and awards
8. Secret to hot teams:
- scuttle rules
- provide good food
- encourage lots of play

Chapter Six: Prototyping

1. prototyping = problem solving
                       = a culture
                       = a language
2. Never go to a meeting without a prototype
3. build to learn
4. sketch things and make things --> accidental discoveries
PLAY + EXPLORE BORDERS
5. prototypes > pictures

Project One Mix and Match Exercise

Project One: Inspiration Images

1. Nocturne in Black and Gold (painting)

2. spindly treehouse (architecture)

3. wings (nature)

4. one hundred years of solitude (literature)

5. raised hands (any source)

The Art of Innovation: Ch. 1-3

Chapter One
1. Innovation as a centerpiece of corporate strategies and iniative
2. prototyping as process and philosophy
3. brainstorming = pervasive cultural influence (IDEO)
4. The Method
   1. Understand
   2. Observe
   3. Visualize
   4. Evaluate and Refine
   5. Implement
5. Need a culture where creativity can flourish- one that embraces risks and wild ideas and tolerates the occasional failure

Chapter Two
1. importance of atmosphere
2. networking approach to problem solving
3. energy key to success

Chapter Three
1. observation-fueled insight makes innovation possible
2. pay attention- make a "bug list" full of problems and observations
3. stay close to the action- digital will not always do it
4. work with human behavior rather than fighting against it
5. holistic multidisciplinary approach/ integrative