Innovation should not be limited to the laboratory or patentable inventions. This post uses an example drawn from my personal life to show how applying an inventor’s mindset in all areas of your life can make your life far better.
In this post, I’ll share how I developed a projected light technique for photographing models—a faster, less messy alternative to traditional body paint. It’s a venture that blends artistic vision, technical problem-solving, and a hefty dose of experimentation. If you’ve ever been intrigued by how the worlds of art and innovation collide, read on.
We often assume that innovation requires methodical processes, carefully planned experiments, and meticulous data collection. And it does—to an extent. Yet sometimes, the spark of invention ignites through spontaneity and, yes, even impulsivity. In the latest video from Innovation Café, I share a personal story involving a high-tech lab, my frequent-co-inventor brother, and a cream puff dipped in liquid nitrogen—all of which reminded me just how much my impulsive streak has shaped my life as an inventor.
What’s the secret sauce behind history’s greatest inventors? This fun article reveals the clever tricks and habits that famous innovators like Edison and da Vinci used to spark ideas. From napping with steel balls to daydreaming doodles, find out how these creative minds got their breakthroughs—and get inspired to try their tricks yourself.
How do you go from a lightbulb moment to a real invention? This article breaks down the process of inventing into clear, practical steps. From spotting everyday problems and brainstorming solutions to prototyping and patenting, it’s a roadmap that shows aspiring creators how to systematically bring innovative ideas to life.
Staring at a blank page or a stalled project? This encouraging article reminds you that creative blocks happen to everyone—and they can even be a good thing. Learn how to embrace the pause, use techniques like changing perspective or taking breaks, and ultimately turn frustration into fuel. It’s a reassuring guide to help innovators and artists push through slumps and find their spark again.
No one enjoys failing or being criticized, but every innovator needs a tough skin and an open mind. This piece makes the case that setbacks and critiques are actually stepping stones to success. Through examples and advice, it shows how embracing feedback and learning from mistakes can lead to better ideas, stronger designs, and ultimately breakthroughs that might never have happened otherwise.
Sometimes the hardest decision in the invention process is to let go. This article tells the real story of an innovator who chose not to pursue a patent after weighing the costs, competition, and potential payoff. It offers insight into why walking away can be the smartest move—and how focusing on the next idea can be more rewarding than clinging to a stalled project.
Innovation isn’t just for scientists in labs; it’s for everyone with a curious mind. This inspiring piece argues that anyone can become an inventor if they harness their imagination. It explores how daydreaming, tinkering, and even mistakes fuel creativity, and encourages you to see yourself as capable of invention—no PhD required.
Has your inner artist or inventor gone quiet? This uplifting piece offers tips to reignite your creative confidence. From revisiting past successes to practicing idea-generating exercises, it’s full of practical advice and encouragement. Whether you’re a painter, writer, or entrepreneur, learn how to overcome self-doubt and get back to innovating with enthusiasm.
Sometimes ignorance isn’t a bad thing—it’s fuel. This article celebrates the power of not knowing the limits, which often allows innovators to achieve the “impossible.”
Some people think substances like psychedelics can unlock creativity by lowering inhibitions, but this article pumps the brakes on that idea. It explores the link between disinhibition and creativity, acknowledging that while a freer mind can spark innovation, drugs come with risks and side effects. Instead, discover healthier ways to get “unstuck” creatively without chemically altering your mind.
Inventors are passionate about their ideas—but that passion can sometimes blind them. Enter confirmation bias: our tendency to only see evidence showing that we’re right (and ignore evidence to the contrary). This article urges inventors to stay skeptical of their own assumptions. By seeking out criticism and testing ideas against tough questions, creators can avoid pitfalls, refine their inventions, and ultimately build better innovations.
This article chronicles how my idea for a “smart” prosthetic eye was one I didn’t act on because I thought the market for it didn’t exist — yet it went from concept to prototype in the hands of a different inventor.
Tired of ho-hum brainstorm meetings? This article shares energizing techniques to supercharge innovation sessions. You’ll learn how to transform any gathering—solo or team—into a hotbed of fresh ideas and breakthrough thinking.
Innovation can start with simply paying attention. Here’s a real example: a casual observation at a concert sparked a cascade of new ideas for one creative thinker. This short read emphasizes the value of noticing the little details around you. It just might inspire you to stay curious in your everyday life—because you never know when inspiration will strike.
What if your next great idea comes while you’re asleep? This fascinating piece explores how dreams and twilight thoughts have led to real innovations (like famous scientific breakthroughs that first appeared in a dream). Learn techniques to remember and harness your dream insights, and see how loosening your grip on conscious control can let creativity flow from the subconscious.
Regret hangs heavy over these two stories of “the ones that got away.” This article recounts a pair of missed chances to patent what could have been blockbuster inventions. By examining what went wrong—hesitation, lack of knowledge, or underestimating an idea—it offers valuable lessons for today’s innovators on acting decisively to protect and pursue promising ideas before it’s too late.
Sometimes necessity (or a legal problem) truly is the mother of invention. This article tells how grappling with a legal challenge—in this case, issues around digital file identification—led to an innovative breakthrough. Follow the story of how a pesky legal headache inspired a new file fingerprinting technology, illustrating how creative thinking can turn problems into ingenious solutions.
You’re more creative than you think—even parts of your mind you’re not aware of are busy innovating. This intriguing article dives into techniques for tapping into your subconscious for inspiration, from daydreaming and meditation to capturing those ideas that surface just as you fall asleep. By trusting and exploring your deeper thoughts, you might unlock solutions and creative breakthroughs that your conscious mind couldn’t quite reach.
Remember the wide-eyed wonder you had as a kid? Rekindling that sense of awe can lead to serious innovation. In this second part of a longer video on creativity, discover how asking “why” like a child and exploring without preconceptions can open up new avenues in your thinking. It offers techniques to re-train yourself to see the extraordinary in the ordinary—fueling fresh ideas and inventive leaps.
As children, we’re natural inventors—building worlds out of cardboard boxes and dreaming up wild ideas without fear. This article (part one of a series) shows adults how to reclaim that boundless creativity. Learn about removing self-imposed limits, playing with ideas freely, and embracing the playful mindset that can lead to genuine innovations and a happier, more creative life.
You don’t need to start a company to be an innovator. This inspiring article encourages you to apply innovation on a personal level—solving everyday problems in your own life. From organizing your schedule better to hacky fixes around the house, learn how treating your personal challenges with a creator’s mindset can lead to a happier, more efficient life and maybe even spark bigger ideas down the road.
In just one minute, discover how your subconscious mind can boost your creativity. This ultra-quick read gives you a nugget of insight into why stepping away from a problem—or even sleeping on it—can lead to “aha” moments. It’s a bite-sized reminder that sometimes the best ideas emerge when you’re not actively chasing them, turning your brain’s hidden processes into an innovation superpower.
What key principles guide the world’s best innovators? This article lays out the fundamentals of innovation—think of concepts like “fail fast, learn faster,” collaboration, and user focus. Each principle is explained with inspiring examples, showing how applying these mindsets can unlock creativity in any field and turn simple ideas into real-world progress.
If you have too many ideas and not enough time, you’re facing a good problem—but a problem nonetheless. This piece helps inventors figure out which projects to focus on and which to shelve. Learn strategies to evaluate your brainstorms for impact and feasibility, so you can focus your energy on the ideas most likely to succeed and make an impact without burning out.
