The Innovation Catch 22: How to start with confidence
Innovation is a buzzword that sparks excitement and curiosity, yet many feel stuck when it comes to actually bringing new ideas to life.
This might sound familiar: you have a brilliant idea, but when people ask for a detailed plan—how much it’ll cost, who will be involved, or what the results will be—you freeze because those answers don’t exist yet.
This is called the Catch-22 of innovation, a dilemma that makes it feel impossible to get started. But the good news is that you can break free from it, and the key lies in design thinking—a method that focuses on action, teamwork, and learning as you go.
Here’s how you can apply these ideas in your own life, step by step:
1. Start Small: Don’t Overthink It
The first step in innovation is to start. Stop waiting for the perfect plan or budget. Like an architect sketching a building, begin by trying out ideas without worrying about whether they’ll work. For example:
At School: Experiment with a new way to present your project.
At Home: Tackle a small problem, like reorganising a space for efficiency.
Remember: You don’t need to have all the answers to take the first step.
2. Team Up: Collaboration Fuels Creativity
Great ideas rarely come from one person alone. In the “Coffee Filter Challenge,” teams were given a simple object (a coffee filter) and asked to come up with creative uses. The most innovative solutions emerged when team members bounced ideas off one another. Our suggestion is that to get started:
Share your thoughts with friends or family.
Listen to feedback and let it spark new ideas.
Every conversation can lead to breakthroughs, as ideas often form in the spaces between us.
3. Think in Options, Not Problems
When faced with a challenge, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. Instead, shift your mindset to think of multiple solutions. For example:
Ask, “What could we try?” or “How might we” instead of, “Why won’t this work?”
Create a list of options, even if some seem silly—they might lead to something great.
The more choices you have, the more likely you are to find the right path!
4. Visualise Your Ideas
Making your ideas tangible is a game-changer. Designers often sketch, model, or create prototypes to communicate their concepts.
Use drawings, diagrams, or even simple models to explain your idea to others.
Seeing a concept come to life can inspire you and others to push it further.
5. Learn as You Go: Embrace Surprises
Innovation is rarely a straight line. Surprises and setbacks will happen, but they often lead to better results. Approach challenges with curiosity:
Experiment, reflect, and pivot based on what you learn.
Remember, it’s okay to change direction—it’s part of the process.
Start with a single step…
Whether you’re tackling a school project, solving a community problem, or dreaming big about the future, design thinking gives you the tools to create and innovate. By starting small, teaming up, exploring options, and learning as you go, you can turn any idea into reality.
So, next time you’re stuck, remember: every great idea starts with a single step. Sketch it out, share it with friends, and let your creativity take flight. Who knows? You might just change the world—or at least your corner of it.
Start innovating today, and watch the magic unfold!