Open House: Archives

Now and then I come across a product like this genteel pendant light set that makes me happy. It's the eureka moment that speaks to me, even if I don't necessarily want to rush out and buy it (although I probably would if I had a place in my house for these guys). I love the two disparate objects combined to make something different. It just works.

For me, having a great idea like this that clicks into place is enormously satisfying and what drives me to be creative in the first place. The "click" happens not when the idea is just interesting and different, but when it meets a multitude of criteria — does it say something unique? does it have longevity? will people connect with it? does it communicate the brand?

Learning to put unlike things together is key to making great ideas that work, and I believe it is learnable. In fact, honing this skill was one component of our company retreat earlier this year. And the more we use skills like this the better we get. Part of that is looking for the great ideas out there, especially those outside your everyday experience. Will knowing about lamps made out of hats lead to a smashing idea in our next ideation lab? Maybe not, but keeping our brains primed for creative thinking will.