The Art of Innovation

After finishing up The Art of Innovation: Lesson in Creativity from IDEO, America’s Leading Design Firm I must say this might have been the best book, of its kind, that I have read this year. I was truly blown away about the process of innovation described that comes directly out of IDEO‘s playbook.

If you’re unfamiliar with IDEA, formally, I guarantee you not unfamiliar with their design innovations. Having designed products from Apple to Microsoft, from Office Furniture to Medical Equipment, it seems difficult you have not run across one of their product designs. In fact if you have used a computer then you have surely used a mouse that began in their studio, having developed both the original single button design for Apple and a later 2 button design for Microsoft.

For me the book really sparked thoughts about how to develop a culture of innovation in LifeConnection. In fact, I would contend that the chapter on brainstorming is worth the price of the book. And right now you might be doing what Kelley describes in the book, rolling your eyes because you’ve “been there and done that.” But after reading that chapter I would almost guarantee you take part in nothing like what is described therein. I’m telling you, run out and buy the book and read that chapter if none other.

It was an extremely easy read as well. I think the major reason for this is due to the real world examples given along the way of their actual design projects. From their Nightline exclusive where they redesigned the shopping cart in a matter of 7 days to their race car derby where they beat out several major design firms to garner top prize for charity.

The thing that I notice in this book is that just about any aspect you can think of probably goes into helping create a culture of innovation, from the people you work with to the way you lay out workspace. In fact, with regard to the latter, it really opened up a lot of creative thoughts about how to layout office space and whatnot to help develop a cultural ethos that embodies innovation.

Without a doubt, this book was the best I’ve read of its kind this year. In fact, when its all said and done it might be the best book I’ve read this year, period. Surely some of that is due to my particular context at the moment, we’re in need of and in process of innovating through many complex ministry issues and needs. But I would recommend it to anyone who is interesting infusing innovation into your life, business, or ministry.