Innovation, Progress, and Imagination

Change is inevitable. One can only hope that it is progressive. In my line of work I have to constantly wonder “What am I going to have to learn next?” The web industry in general moves very quickly, and if you don’t keep up with it, it can leave you behind the learning curve very fast. If you don’t progress in your field, you end up sticking to your old habits, relying on them, and even defending them while newer and better methods emerge.

As I have said before, I am a problem solver. What has come to mind more recently is that every situation can be addressed as ‘a problem.’ Not a problem in a negative sense, more like a math problem. The only difference is in your career, and life in general, there is no ‘right answer.’ You have to constantly be ready to learn. To quote one of my personal heros, Albert Einstein:

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.”

So simple, yet profound. But it can be hard to innovate when business gets busy. The tendency to ‘just get the work done, and get it done fast’ is a very easy trap to fall into. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with ‘fast.’ But remember that innovation takes time, creativity, and most importantly, effort.

Now, to make things even more difficult, innovation, to me, is not just solving a problem. It’s finding new problems. Sure, you can innovate an existing concept, but to me, true innovation goes beyond our current scope of knowledge. To do this we need to understand the tools which drive our innovation.

Currently on my list of things to learn and improve upon are:

  • Ruby on Rails
  • Business Writing
  • XSLT
  • Java classes
  • Business Administration
  • Bass Guitar

Music always does wonders for my creative energy. Both listening to and making music. (I currently play rhythm acoustic guitar.) As far as aiding innovation, ‘stepping back’ from the task at hand to remind myself of, or (re)define, the overall objectives for a project has always helped. Forget current methodology, existing tools, and work you’ve already done. Find the best answer to your ‘problem,’ then figure out how to deliver that solution.

So what’s on your list of things to learn? What feeds your imagination? What helps you innovate?

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Published August 02, 2005 by:

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  1. Well said! It is the learning that drives me on to continue with design. My list would be similar: Ruby Ajax Python Adobe InDesign Designing for Print Play the Sitar Oil Painting Drupal

    divya divya

    August 2nd, 2005

  2. Hey, Steve. Great post. I think what you say is true of virtually any discipline or field of endeavor. I know that in the field of Biblical studies, the same is true. Right now I am doing some dissertation work in the field of rhetorical criticism. As such, RC is both an old (going back to Aristotle, and before) as well as a new discipline. The trend to use Classical Rhetoric, so common in the 1980’s (remember the 80’s, Steve? :)) is now passe, and the new methodology I am using is to construct a “rhetoric of person.” It is an interesting approach. But one of the positive things that Postmodernism has taught us is that change, and a variety of paradigms, are the only things that are (ironically!) permanent. Take care, and keep on the cutting edge. I will pray for you, that you will have both skill and endurance in your pursuit of excellence.

    Love, Dad

    Velcro – June 24, 1991 – July 26, 2005 R.I.P.

    Andy Smith Andy Smith

    August 2nd, 2005

  3. My current goal is to truly grok css (I can use it now, but I want Eric Meyer to ask me for advice on CSS) and really understand AJAX, not just plug in a lib and watch the magic happen.

    Topher Topher

    August 3rd, 2005

  4. Steve,

    If you already play rhythm acoustic guitar (i.e. a ‘medicine ball’) then learning bass will be a breeze, especially if its electric.

    I’m toying with these: Illustrator CSWriting a screeplayPicking up my guitar againRailsAjaxFlash MX

    Currently inspired by the positive vibes of Jack Johnson.

    Jason Jason

    August 3rd, 2005

  5. I gain inspiration from Hiking, Mountian biking and just generally being active in the mountians. A great place to wind down or up and i hate to say it, but even figure out what you need to get done come Monday morning.

    Wil Rushmer Wil Rushmer

    August 4th, 2005

  6. Hey Steve: great to see another good post. Things on my list are pretty basic: 1) database driven web design 2) better CSS skills 3) learn adobe cs2 (which i just bought only to find i was sold a pirated copy- nothing more frustrating!) 4) make a couple new sites 5)GET BUSY!

    Willy Demis Willy Demis

    August 4th, 2005