I recently dove into Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World by Richard Braden and Tessa Forshaw, and I must say, it was an eye-opening experience. As someone who constantly seeks to bridge creativity and practicality in personal and professional spheres, I was immediately drawn by the promise of actionable strategies to unlock my innate creativity. The allure of innovative thinking in a world riddled with problems resonated with me, and this book was positioned as the ultimate guide to navigating that challenge.
The authors bring a wealth of experience from their years as design educators at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford, and their insights into innovation are both profound and accessible. One of the greatest strengths of Innovation-ish is its comprehensive yet digestible approach to cognitive science—which is delivered without the intimidation of extensive jargon or overly complex theories. It’s refreshing to read a book that truly caters to anyone, regardless of background or experience.
One particularly valuable aspect of the book is how it demystifies the myths surrounding innovation. I appreciated the section where Braden and Forshaw reveal the six mindsets that are critical to fostering innovation—these mental frameworks allow readers to approach challenges more creatively and flexibly. This flexible mindset echoes what reviewer Thomas M. Wilberding noted, stating that the authors make innovation accessible for anyone, providing practical tools that can be readily applied.
On the downside, some readers express concern that the book may feel a bit repetitive at times. While I didn’t find this to be a significant issue, there were moments in the later chapters where the ideas seemed to circle back to earlier concepts without adding much new depth. I can see how this could feel frustrating to those looking for novel insights.
Another common critique is that although the authors provide excellent frameworks, the pragmatic applications could have been enhanced with more real-world examples. Nevertheless, the stories of individuals overcoming challenges were engaging and illustrative, reflecting a diverse range of experiences. Reviewer Kendra nicely encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting how the book distills practical ways to test assumptions and navigate trade-offs.
The book embraces a charming "ish" approach, encouraging small-scale experimentation rather than seeking perfection from the get-go. This vibe was particularly empowering as it spoke directly to anyone grappling with “imposter syndrome,” reassuring them that it’s perfectly okay to be imperfect in the pursuit of innovation. I found myself reflecting on which of my everyday tasks could benefit from this "innovation-ish" approach—ranging from organizing a small team project to brainstorming new ideas in my personal life.
Just like how one of the reviewers highlighted, it’s a blend of storytelling and practical frameworks that this book achieves so well, making it an inspiring read. I felt that my own creative potential was being unlocked page by page, which is, after all, a core objective of the book.
In conclusion, Innovation-ish is a standout guide for anyone who’s interested in enhancing their innovative capabilities—be it in personal or professional landscapes. With its approachable tone and straightforward strategies, it manages to make innovation feel attainable for everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to embrace their creativity, break free from conventional thinking, and tackle problems with confidence and flair.
Overall, Innovation-ish delivers on its promise to provide real-world solutions in a digestible format. If you have an open mind and a hint of curiosity, I encourage you to explore this book; it’s a worthwhile adventure into the world of innovation.