As a designer, I’ve developed concepts for a range of companies including Steelcase Inc, the Museum of Science & Industry, Mayo Clinic, Mattel, and Motorola. While with Steelcase Inc’s Growth Initiatives, I worked with teams to research opportunities, design and pitch business models, and develop three businesses – Workspring, 654 Croswell, and Turnstone. Today, I’m happy to say that I’m oftentimes immersed in projects, discussions and lectures with people just doing cool things.
There are proven methods and processes that – when applied creatively – can help individuals and organizations find ways of consistently developing hit after hit. Here’s an outline of my favorite approach:
Whether I’m developing a film, a website, a product or a new business platform, my creative process begins in the same way – I assume that I don’t have a clue. I’ve found this to be much safer than assuming that others already have the answers. After all if a solution already exists, then there shouldn’t be a problem.
(In other words… Act clueless. Trust the process. Blurt out that first cool idea. Forget that first cool idea. Frame what others can’t see.)
While it’s fun to uncover an opportunity, it’s even more enjoyable to develop a vision that people can experience immediately. I’ve enjoyed developing prototypes of all kinds – from sketches to interactive prototypes to being spaces. I oftentimes dive in and put pen to paper and mouse to screen, but I also enjoy directing teams.
(In other words… Act it out. Play. Fail. Learn from failure. Play with others who know how to share. Shoot for the stars.)
The elevator pitch is that critical synopsis of an idea. Think of it as show & tell for grownups. Except the stakes are oftentimes a bit higher. Instead of presenting to teachers, I’m oftentimes presenting in front of leaders of companies, communities, and venture funds. But it’s just as fun as it was when I was a kid.
(In other words… Share a compelling vision. Stay true to the vision. Let the natural laws of physics (and friction) grab hold and bring a vision into being.)
