Daily Inspiration: “Need to see more bang for your innovation buck? Play more! Serendipity is the root of much discovery!”

“Need to see more bang for your innovation buck? Play more! Serendipity is the root of much discovery!” – Futurist Jim Carroll

This is what happens when you walk into your virtual broadcast studio one day in a green shirt without realizing what might happen – and do a goofy little dance as you laugh at what you’ve just discovered! This is from the very early days of exploration last March – at that point, I was using a simple Webcam and so images were very blurry. And nine months in, I haven’t quite yet discovered how to use this magical little feature but I’m pretty certain I will!

Is there a link between innovation and play? Most definitely, and so while I can’t say I can point to a long list of innovative products that came from accidental playtime, but I can tell that if creativity is the root of all innovation, and play involves creativity, then there must be a deep connection in there somewhere.

And in fact, one of my favorite authors wrote a book exactly about that opportunity: “Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World.”   Two quotes are observant:

“When human beings create and share experiences designed to delight or amaze, they often end up transforming society in more dramatic ways than people focused on more utilitarian concerns.”

Innovation? It is found in:

 “….people mucking around with magic, toys, games and other seemingly idle pastimes.”

In my own case, I won’t be wearing a green shirt into the studio any time soon until I have a clear pathway into its purpose, but is one of those things that brought me a momentary smile and a laugh. Not to mention a note of concern from my kids when I shared with them the video (“you can’t send that out Dad!”, always mindful of my reputation!). And even more important, a little bit more knowledge into the magical extent of the technology I am working with!

I’m open to suggestions though!

Accelerate creativity? Play more!