Innovation @ Merage - UCI Paul Merage School of Business : Ideation

The Designful Company: How to Build a Culture of Nonstop Innovation

Lynda Lawrence — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:24:00 GMT

By: Marty Neumeier: New Riders, 2009.

Despite its dreadful title, this little book is a gem. Neumeier explains why everyone should care about design (companies that win design awards have 100-200% higher returns, and must-have products are always because of good design). More important, he defines designers as everyone who makes something better, whether it’s an idea, a process or a product.

He also points out the difference between standard business thinking that measures “What is” and design thinking that posits “What could be.” Without the latter, he says, we’d all be driving the same cars and watching broadcast TV. As for getting these new ideas converted to reality, he has strong ideas about storytelling (good) and PowerPoint (bad).

Why should you care about design? Just substitute the words innovation or organizational change and you’ll see why his insights apply to just about everything you have on your to-do list for the next decade.

Definitely worth an hour of your time, I’d give it a 9.0 on the LL innovation meter. Recommended for managers, MBAs, and anyone interested in changing their organization’s status quo.

Sprinting for Creativity

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:59:00 GMT

Abstract: Author and blogger Seth Godin discusses a very effective technique to use when you're stuck.

Published: February 9, 2009

Author: Seth Godin

Link: Seth Godin's Blog

What Would Google Do?

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:07:00 GMT

By Jeff Jarvis; Collins Business, 2009

Take everything you know about business, turn it upside down, and that’s pretty much what Google is doing. If conventional wisdom suggests that people should pay for your product, Google’s is free. If you might support that weird business strategy by running ads on your front page, Google’s is absolutely pristine.

In Jarvis’s view, every business has a lot to learn from one of the few profitable companies in these turbulent times. He starts with some counterintuitive Google premises: give control away, make mistakes often, let your customers be your ads, niches are more profitable than mass markets, everything is public, get out of the way.

The last half of the book is where it gets interesting--rethinking the business models of major industries in the Google way: manufacturing, real estate, communications, airlines, insurance, education. There are some provocative ideas, and at the very least, some challenges to long-held assumptions that are worth pondering.

I’d give it an 8 on the LL innovation meter, good for anyone who makes strategic decisions or wants to start the next Google.

Lynda Lawrence is an innovation consultant with Ideaworks Consulting. She teaches Strategic Innovation and Design Management at the Merage School at UCI, and is an advisor to the Beall Center.

TED Conference Videos: “Ideas Worth Spreading”

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:42:00 GMT

Abstract: The annual TED conference brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less). This website makes the best talks and performances from TED available to the public, for free. More than 300 talks from our archive are now available, with more added each week.

Published: Ongoing

Authors: Hundreds of the world’s top thinkers covering subjects categorized into dozens of themes.

Link: TED

The Best Inventions of 2008

admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:37:00 GMT

Abstract: From a genetic testing service to an invisibility cloak to an ingenious public bike system to the world's first moving skyscraper — here are TIME's picks for the top innovations of 2008

Published: October 2008

Authors: Jeremy Caplan, Kristina Dell, Andrea Dorfman, Laura Fitzpatrick, Justin Fox, Sean Gregory, Lev Grossman, Barbara Kiviat, Jeffrey Kluger, Richard Lacayo, Michael Lemonick, Lisa McLaughlin, Jay Newton-Small, Alice Park, Mark Thompson, Bryan Walsh and Rebecca Winters Keegan

Link: Time

Iconoclast: A Neuroscientist Reveals How to Think Differently (book review - 9.5)

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:55:00 GMT

By Gregory Berns; Harvard Business Press 2008

Do people like Walt Disney and Steve Jobs simply have brains that are different from the rest of ours? Neuroscientist Berns explores new data from fMRI tests to explain how the brain works in creating new ideas, responding to fear of failure, and creating the social networks that enable innovators to sell their ideas to other people.

According to Berns, the key to creating new ideas is literally seeing things differently. He cites glass artist Dale Chihuly’s new perceptions after he lost an eye in a car accident. To some extent, this talent is hardwired, but with practice it can be improved.

Fear is an ancient emotion, and it’s triggered every time we encounter something novel (which explains why so few new ideas actually make it all the way up to the boardroom). Overcoming it is tricky, and entails putting new ideas in familiar contexts—thus the horseless carriage.

Finally, persuading others that your ideas are worthwhile depends a great deal on your social skills, which vary depending on your particular brain. He notes that very few people have enhanced capability in all three areas, but that can be overcome by working in teams with the requisite abilities.

It’s an interesting cut-away view of brains at work, an easy read for individuals or managers, and I’d give it a 9.5 on the LL innovation meter.

Lynda Lawrence is an innovation consultant with Ideaworks Consulting. She teaches Strategic Innovation and Design Management at the Merage School at UCI, and is an advisor to the Beall Center.

The Unique Advantage

admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:02:00 GMT

Abstract: Innovation is difficult for mature, slow-growth businesses and often results in long line extensions rather than high-profit, game-changing innovations. Companies, especially those focused on food and consumer products, need to rethink their innovation strategies to develop products that are unique and hard to copy.

Published: Autum 2008

Authors: Alexander Kandybin and Surbee Grover by Alexander Kandybin and Surbhee Grover

Link: strategy+business

What is Biomimicry?

admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:40:00 GMT

Abstract: Mother Nature is the surprising source of inspiration for a host of innovations. Engineers, scientists and product designers are taking cues from nature to solve the toughest design problems.

Published: September 2008

Authors: Hillary Woolley

Link: BNET

Inspiration Can Be Found in Many Places, but You Need to Be Looking

admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:40:00 GMT

Abstract: How do successful inventors, entrepreneurs and writers come up with the big ideas? Constantly looking and keeping an open mind are important, but the critical ingredient is exposing yourself to things outside your usual purview.

Published: October 23, 2008

Author: Mickey Meece

Link: The New York Times

Sleep on It: How Snoozing Makes You Smarter

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:42:00 GMT

Abstract: During slumber, our brain engages in data analysis, from strengthening memories to solving problems.

Published: August 2008

Authors: Robert Stickgold and Jeffrey M. Ellenbogen

Link: Scientific American Mind

Learning from the Olympics

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:25:00 GMT

Abstract: From GE to Nestlé to watchmaker Omega, companies use the Games to test-drive new ideas—and strut their stuff.

Published: Business Week, August 7, 2008
Authors: Reena Jana, Frederik Balfour and Oriana Schwindt

Links: Business Week - article Business Week – related slideshow

Speaking of Change

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:55:00 GMT

Abstract: GMnext.com invited Dr. Chris Borroni-Bird, Director of Advanced Technology Vehicle Concepts at GM, and BoingBoing.net founder and technology evangelist Mark Frauenfelder, to speculate on innovation, technology, energy, environment, and their impact on the future of the automobile. Highlights of that conversation are included in a series of five videos, each focusing on a different aspect of the future of transportation. ***Update: GM has moved this content to http://wiki.gmnext.com and only one video is currently available titled "Speaking of Change".

Published: July 2008

Link: GMnext

The Next Step in Open Innovation

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:56:00 GMT

Abstract: Increasingly companies are using input and feedback from online communities to help with the creation of knowledge, products and services. Though the practice is in its earliest stages, there have been notable successes. This article from The McKinsey Quarterly examines the benefits and challenges of open innovation.

Authors: Jacques Bughin, Michael Chui, and Brad Johnson

Published: June 2008

Link: The McKinsey Quarterly

P&G Changes Its Game

admin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:32:00 GMT

Abstract: P&G is using "design thinking" to tackle difficult business problems. While this may seem like the latest innovation buzzword, P&G is using the technique to generate effective ideas and, more importantly, change its culture.

Published: July 28, 2008

Author: Jenanne Rae

Link: BusinessWeek

Flowers and Plants in the Workspace Promote Innovation, Ideas

admin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:44:00 GMT

Key Findings Shed Light on Environmental Psychology of the Workplace

In today’s economy, it is more important than ever for businesses to gain the competitive edge. Constant fluctuations in unemployment, productivity, consumer confidence and other major economic factors make it imperative for businesses to implement the right strategies to stay ahead of their competition.

According to business experts, the key to gaining the competitive edge in the modern economy is easy to understand – a happy, productive workforce. And, while sometimes the easiest notions can be the most difficult to achieve, a recent scientific study conducted at Texas A&M University finds that nature can hold the secret to business success. The research demonstrates that workers’ idea generation, creative performance and problem solving skills improve substantially in workplace environments that include flowers and plants.

“Our research shows that a change as simple as adding flowers and plants can be important in the most meaningful way to businesses in the modern economy,” said Dr. Roger Ulrich, lead researcher on the project. “People’s productivity, in the form of innovation and creative problem solving, improved – which in certain circumstances could mean the difference between mild and great business success.”

Research Findings: Overall and Men vs. Women

In an eight-month study, the Texas A&M University research team explored the link between flowers and plants and workplace productivity. Participants performed creative problem solving tasks in a variety of common office environments, or conditions. The conditions included a workplace with flowers and plants, a setting with sculpture and an environment with no decorative embellishments.

During the study, both women and men demonstrated more innovative thinking, generating more ideas and original solutions to problems in the office environment that included flowers and plants. In these surroundings, men who participated in the study generated 15% more ideas. And, while males generated a greater abundance of ideas, females generated more creative, flexible solutions to problems when flowers and plants were present.

“We know the importance of learning, for example, how natural surroundings affect drivers, school children, and hospital patients,” said Ulrich, who has conducted extensive research on the effects of environments on psychological well-being, stress and health. “To businesses, it should be equally as important to understand what features can improve performance at work and make employees more productive.”

Background: Dr. Roger Ulrich

The Impact of Flowers and Plants on Workplace Productivity Study was conducted by Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., Behavioral Scientist, Director of the Center for Health Systems and Design, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Dr. Ulrich is a professor of landscape architecture and is an internationally recognized expert on the influences of surroundings on human well-being and health. His interests concern applications of environment-behavior knowledge to healthcare buildings, landscape architecture and urban design.

For The Impact of Flowers and Plants on Workplace Productivity study, Dr. Ulrich worked in cooperation with Professor Dr. James Varni, who also is internationally recognized for his research in psychology and medicine. The research lends weight to growing scientific evidence that flowers and plants, as well
as other aspects of nature, have a beneficial impact on state of mind and emotions. The Society of American Florists worked in cooperation with the Texas A&M University research team, bringing an expertise of flowers and plants to the project.

The Impact of Flowers & Plants on Workplace Productivity: Methodology

Researchers at Texas A&M University recruited 101 participants to take part in The Impact of Flowers and Plants on Workplace Productivity study. During the eight-month scientific study, participants took part in emotional, creativity and attentional demand protocols, in conditions that were carefully controlled, yet were similar to those in many office workplaces. Subjects were asked to perform a series of tasks in one of three environmental office conditions, selected at random: with fresh flowers and plants; with abstract sculpture; or with no embellishments at all. Throughout each session, subjects self-rated their moods four times, executed two creativity tasks and completed one attentional demand test. Researchers measured the number of ideas participants generated, their ideas’ originality and flexibility, and other responses, using data extracted from the tests, which included Torrance Tests of the Creative Thinking and
Profile of Mood States.

Published: October 2003