“Innovation” is often sorted into the field of “designers”, “engineers” or “management personnels”. As a matter of fact, it concerns every single member that takes part in an organization. Each can (and should,) find their “role” as a creative thinker… Yet, we were not encouraged to this type of Design Thinking in our education. Today, G!Voice wishes to introduce some simple methods that will help you “think outside the box” (Grin).
Everyone is used to sticking to things and procedures that they are familiar with (of course…). However, these “habits” will prevent you from experiencing, thinking and approaching from alternative ways. Stimulate your mind with a new thing on a monthly basis to keep things interesting!
2. Talk to a kid about grown-up stuff
It is fair to say that we have become “institutionalized” after growing up, right! Thinking in a “Responsibility-free + Intuition + Sensual + Fantastic” manner is the trait – and privilege – of a child. It is also the only way to see beyond our norms.
3. Laugh
Many decisions are made under great stress and seriousness. What comes after is pain, rigidness, and finally, a nervous breakdown. Entertain yourself and others with a healthy sense of humor to lighten up the mood. There just might be a pleasant surprise in store!
4. See from every perspective and every angle
There is no real sense in anything these days. A smartphone is everything but “just” a phone, and you can even cure bad breath with constipation pills. Feel free to take a fresher perspective on things now. Always challenge your ability to think big: “This would be a wonderful XXX if it weren’t an OOO.”
5. Read comics seriously
“Ha! That’s absurd!” This is a common reaction we get when reading comics. Those out-of-the-blue incident or remarks, that ambush our sense of humor, is the essence of comedy. The “absurdity” value is exactly what triggers us to think outside the box!
6. Always ask yourself: Why?
Two people are giving out fliers up front, and one is being taken much more faster than the other. This is a common scenario that probably never occurred to you to ask: “Why?”. In order to become more keen everything around you, you must learn to force yourself to ask why.
7. Linking impossibilities together
As the mentioned method of flipping through books, make an effort to associate 2 completely unrelated concepts. Try to come up with a story to promote the idea, and practice on the ability to link and extend.
8. Embrace Foreign/Art Culture
Be open to different cultures, even if you disagree with them. Try to understand their point of view. Designers never try to stick personal agendas into their work, instead, they observe and listen with an open heart.
9. Turn work into something fun
Try a different take on everyday work such as internal documents, emails and SoPs. Spice things up a bit in your daily routine, or even make your own story out of it. This would definitely crack a smile for your reader!
10. Follow G!Voice and SPACE 17! ! !
Ah-hem. . Each month G!Voice presents you with the hot topics in the global market. In addition, SPACE 17 allows us to all pitch in and participates in experiencing Design Thinking. Don’t you think that pretty much speaks for itself (Blush)?