Guide to Creativity in Business Part 4 Intelligenthq
Imagination drives creativity and it is creativity that makes today’s business world go around. In this series we have explored how to map the creative environment, the steps to take to foster creativity, and we have learned why creativity is a leadership skill of the utmost importance. As famous writer J.K. Rowling says:
“Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power to that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared.”
Quote by J.K. Rowling IntelligenthqBut how are organisations putting this to use to come up with ground breaking new ideas? As various reports suggest, many organisations are thinking about human needs with imagination which allows them to come up with new ideas to solve previously challenging problems, or even problems that we did not even realise existed.
For example, one innovative new technology start-up is driving innovation through things. The company is called SmartThings and it is using the Internet of Things innovations and technology to automate all kinds of activities that you just do as a part of your daily life – but you won’t have to for much longer. For example, SmartThings can automate the switching off of appliances. Ever worried that you’d left an appliance on? Forgotten if you locked the front door behind you or not? SmartThings is poised to help here. As well as safety and security, this organisation has the ability to deliver you savings.
Do you enjoy flying? Maybe not, but maybe you’d enjoy it more with innovations from Routehappy. According to a report made by Incredo, Routehappy enables you to “find a flight that fits your personality and needs”. Not only this, but it also helps you to secure a cheaper price. What could be better? Different functions like flyer ratings and happiness scores also help you to identify the best flight for you.
Then again, maybe if you truly hate flying and avoid it at all costs, you might prefer to know what other innovative companies are doing to help you to travel on the ground instead. That is the case of Lyft is a start-up organisation, which is an example of a company embracing the sharing economy, that provides people with the opportunity to be able to share lift services with each other, which makes travelling much cheaper. Lyft itself relies on donations to keep operating. You may think it doesn’t sound all that safe to get in a car with a stranger, but Lyft is able to check out driving records and criminal records so you can feel much safer about taking that ride.
Those looking for a mate might prefer to not go anywhere but instead download the Tinder app to their phones. Tinder allows you to “swipe left” or “swipe right” to find a partner. You simply click yes or no until you find the partner of your dreams. When there’s a match you are notified, and you can choose to message them or simply to “keep playing”. This is driving considerable change in the online dating industry, and the best part is that the app is free.
Some prefer the quiet life, and Incredo explains how technology start-up Buddhify can help with this. Buddhify helps to reduce stress by helping people to go about their daily activities while also introducing calm and meditation into the daily routine. As Incredo suggests, “I don’t have to be so stressed and overwhelmed anymore. I can return to serenity and still go about my daily routine”.
Studio XO is also an highly innovative company that operates at the intersection of science, technology, fashion and music. The aim of Studio XO is to develop technologies and products that capture intimate physiological data, and reveal the emotional interactions. Seamlessly integrating new technologies special effects with innovative fashion design they aim to create digital couture experiences. In the following video is an example on how Studio XO operates.
Hopefully this series has inspired you and your organisation to get creative. After all, did you imagine that you needed these innovative ideas before you read about them? Foster creativity and you may just find that your organisation is the next big thing.
Guide to Creativity in Business Part 1
Guide to Creativity in Business Part 2
Guide to Creativity in Business Part 3
Guide to Creativity in Business Part 4
Paula Newton is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Paula’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Paula has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Paula has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
