The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley

  • look for bugs and think about how you can fix them: "you'll find that many entrepreneurs got started by observing humans struggling with tried routines and asking themselves what they could do about it" (30).
  • "You learn from people who break the rules" (39).
  • Ch. 4 - Brainstorming
    • 60 min is an optimum length
    • Seven Rules:
      • Sharpen the Focus
        • well-defined problem statement
        • focus outward on a specific customer
      • Playful Rules
      • Number Your Ideas
        • helps keep track
        • give goal: say 100 ideas in an hour
      • Build and Jump
        • build on ideas, or jump to other ideas as a facilitator
      • The Space Remembers
        • white boards, giant post-its, etc.
      • Stretch Your Mental Muscles
        • mental warm-ups
        • content related homework, show and tell
      • Get physical
        • bring in existing products or have stuff to tinker with to build a prototype
    • Six Ways to Kill a Brainstormer:
      • Boss speaks first
      • Everyone get a turn
      • Experts only
      • Do it off-site
      • Nothing silly
      • Write everything down
  • 8 Crazy characters for hot teams:
    • Visionary
    • Troubleshooter
    • Iconoclast - counterpoint
    • Pulse taker - heart, personal connection
    • Craftsman
    • Technologist
    • Entrepreneur
    • Cross-Dresser
  • Boyle's Law: never go to a presentation without a prototype (106)
  • Seven Planting Tips:
    • Subscribe and surf - idea wading
    • Play director - break the world down into scenes
    • Hold an open house - spread the best of your company far and wide
    • Inspire advocates
    • Hire outsiders
    • Change hats
    • Cross-train
  • "Fail often to succeed sooner" (232).
  • How to create great products and services:
    • make a great entrance
    • make metaphors
    • think briefcase
    • color inspires
    • backstage pass
    • one click is better than two
    • goof-proof
    • first, do not harm
    • checklist
    • great extras
  • INNOVATION RULES:
    • watch customers
    • physical workspace
    • think verbs, not nouns
    • Break rules and fail forward
    • Stay human (hot teams)
    • Build bridges between departments