How Innovation Works

Cartoons are free of any of the real world limitations on innovation. Want a working video call system in the 1960’s? The Jetsons had it. In many ways, technology has caught up with the imagination of cartoonists from the mid to late 20th century. Most good inventions start with the thought “wouldn’t it be cool if….”. Cartoons are written with the same thought in mind. Now that technology has matured, many of those fanciful, then-impossible ideas expressed in cartoons are ready for reduction to a real invention.

Success hinges on calling yourself what you aspire to be before you feel you’ve fully “arrived.” By printing those two words—inventor or innovator—on your business card and using them in your day-to-day interactions, you can psychologically and socially pave the way toward becoming the future you’ve envisioned.

When we think of “innovation,” images of high-tech labs or bustling Silicon Valley startups likely come to mind. Rarely, if ever, do we think of the prison system. Yet, in the latest video on Innovation Café, I dive into the surprising connection between the conditions of incarceration and the creativity it can foster. From makeshift cheesecakes to improvised tools, the resourcefulness of people behind bars not only reflects human ingenuity but also highlights a powerful case for prison reform—one that harnesses creativity for positive change and reduces recidivism.

Have you ever found yourself staring down a looming financial crisis for a tech project, only to have a sudden “aha!” moment offer a way out? That’s exactly what happened when I was running a free web hosting service just as the dotcom bubble burst. With online ad revenue evaporating, my team and I needed a new model—fast. In this post, I share the story of how letting that problem “bounce around” in my head for a week led me to a distributed computing concept, the patent it birthed, and why we never quite got to see it fully realized.

We often think of innovation as a straightforward process: first identify a problem, then craft a brilliant solution. However, as I discuss in this episode of Innovation Café, the real world doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes, the solution shows up first, long before we’ve identified the problem it solves. This phenomenon holds true not only in inventing but also in advertising, where you might plant the seed of a solution in consumers’ minds—well before they recognize a need for it.

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.

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.

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.