Sometimes coming up with a new idea can be a difficult and annoying task.
by Meaghan Ziemba, Associate Editor, PD&D
Personally, when I try to think of something to write for blogs, editorials, homework assignments or even a simple errand list, I catch myself in a blank stare trying to remember what I was thinking about in the first place.
To add another obstacle in my composition process, I have a 5-year-old daughter who constantly wants me to watch her newest dance, look at her new piece of art, swimming or whatever else she has discovered on her own. When I return to my work I have to start completely over.
Distractions constantly haunt the creative minds trying to think of innovational ideas, and when they grab hold, it can be quite an obstacle to overcome.
I can only imagine the sort of obstacles engineers and manufacturers face when trying to think of the next “big thing.” Whether in electronics, automotive or the mechanical industries, engineers and manufacturers have the stress of satisfying customers on a daily basis. If they disappoint, it could affect their reputation as whole, and send companies into a downward spiral of never ending ridicule and criticism.
What’s the solution? A recent visit to Waukesha, WI for a National Instruments (NI) preview of their newest products provided a simple answer, teamwork; but not in the sense that would be the typical assumption of teamwork.
During the keynote, Jonathan Hillayard, area sales manager for NI, discussed the challenges of innovation. He discussed how some believed that the reasons for the economic woes were believed to be caused by the slow down of innovation. He also talked about how National Instruments set a goal to release a new version of their LabVIEW software every year to help incorporate feedback faster from their customers. With scheduled launch releases, customers had a chance to increase innovational materials.
I sat in a couple other sessions at NI Technical Symposium, and the same idea of customer feedback was stressed throughout. At demonstration the presenter specified the importance of customer comments, complaints and/or suggestions. If there was something missing, buyers had a chance to speak their mind and offer ideas to increase quality and operational success.
Of course this is a common practice, but it was reassuring to see it first hand. Sometimes a lot of customers ignore the suggestion box offered by certain companies, missing out on the planning process to possibly improve our favorite designs.
Innovation seems to be hindered by the intimidation of failure, but if more of us are willing to raise our hands and offer our constructive criticisms and appreciative applause, we create a stronger team and become that much closer to the next “big thing.”
Do you have an idea that could make heads turn, or a suggestion to make a current idea more phenomenal? Share it with the rest of us. Post your innovational thoughts below or send them to me at meaghan.ziemba@advantagemedia.com.