Chapter 1: The Concept of Naive Innovation

To grasp the idea of naive innovation, let’s journey back to the days of “snake oil” salesmen roaming the streets, eager to profit by misleading the public. This isn’t merely a tale of how your ancestor might have lost his savings on a dubious product claiming to make him appear younger or restore his hair without the need for styling products. Instead, we are focusing on the realm of medicine—specifically, the snake oil salesmen of the early 20th century.

These vendors marketed their concoctions, but what exactly were they selling? The so-called snake oil often contained harmful substances like camphor and turpentine. While these toxic ingredients might create a temporary sensation, they ultimately provided no genuine therapeutic benefits.

This serves as a cautionary example of how trends can be exploited without adding real value, leading consumers to squander their resources. Salesmen would tout their products as revolutionary, claiming they would enhance efficiency in various endeavors.

Fast forward to today, and we continue to see a desire for innovation for its own sake. However, there is a distinct difference between following a trend and addressing a genuine issue. Some recent innovative concepts may seem intriguing, yet they lack substantial societal value. Here are a few examples:

1. A fork designed to track your eating habits by connecting to a smartphone app to monitor your bites per minute.
2. An umbrella with integrated heating and air-blowing features to keep you warm while under its shelter.
3. Rollerblades equipped with a sewing machine, allowing you to stitch while you skate along the boardwalk.
4. An alarm clock that also functions as a smoothie maker, enabling you to prepare breakfast while waking up.

What is the rationale behind these inventions? The critical question to consider is: At what cost do these trends emerge? While some ideas might be more innovative than others, do they address real challenges?

Photo by sebastiaan stam on Unsplash

A “snake oil” trend signifies something that does not genuinely benefit society—it is non-essential. While we may experience fleeting entertainment, we ultimately suffer as we become desensitized to authentic innovation, making it difficult to distinguish between valuable and trivial ideas. The proliferation of ineffective concepts can drain resources from our society.

On the contrary, innovation is vital to human advancement, contributing positively to the collective well-being.

Photo by Skye Studios on Unsplash

So, what defines innovation? It is the process of addressing a specific problem. For instance, the invention of the computer was a significant innovation as it resolved the issue of executing complex mathematical calculations, despite having limited use beyond that purpose. Over time, however, computers evolved into essential tools for communication, entertainment, and commerce.

A key concept related to naive innovation is the “sanity check,” which assesses whether an idea is feasible and holds value for society. Essentially, it prompts the questions: “Is this idea practical? Will it be effective? Is this truly necessary?”

Another relevant term is “category killer,” which refers to an idea lacking a real competitive edge. Its only distinction may be that it is unique, not that it addresses a genuine problem.

The ultimate takeaway is to embrace the role of a trendsetter and problem solver rather than a snake oil salesman. Avoid pursuing trends for their own sake; instead, focus on resolving real-world issues. This approach will not only bring you greater fulfillment but also earn your ideas respect and loyalty from a broader audience.

Also read: Theory of Creativity: Trough of Sorrow

Remember, if you find yourself in the trough of sorrow, it doesn’t mean you should stop—most people do.

Theory of Creativity: Creative Tension

This concept isn't new, but it’s essential for maximizing the potential of every idea.

If you found this article insightful, consider subscribing for unlimited access to Medium articles at just $5 a month or $50 a year.

Chapter 2: The Role of Creativity in Innovation

This TEDx talk by Duncan Wardle explores the theory of creativity and how it can be harnessed to drive innovation effectively.

Chapter 3: Embedding Innovation into Culture

In this presentation, Duncan Wardle discusses how to instill a culture of innovation within organizations, making it a fundamental part of everyone’s approach.