Unlikely Combinations
The world of innovation is filled with pioneers who saw links between two seemingly unrelated ideas and, in so doing, pushed their own fields forward.
There was Bill Bowerman who used a wedding present waffle iron to mold the rubber that evolved into the famous Nike shoe sole. Volvo studied locusts in thinking about how to optimize their navigation system. And Dr. Allan Goldman, a Pediatric Cardiologist, improved the effectiveness of the critical handoff between the operation theatre and intensive care by consulting Formula 1 teams.
Einstein said: ‘combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought.’ Combinatory thinking is a cognitive skill that can be enhanced with practice. Try your hand at this…
Your Unlikely Combinations
• Below, you’ll find 10 seemingly unrelated objects. Choose any two and think about how you can combine them to make a new product that could have a real chance at having impact and making a profit. How many items can you mix and match into new, exciting product ideas?
