Examples of Innovative Activities
There are so many different ways to be creative and innovative. Whether you are a student, employee, or business owner, there are many opportunities to engage in innovative activities. Here are some examples to get you started.
iGEM
The International Genetically Engineered Machine, or iGEM, is a competition in synthetic biology. It provides an opportunity for student teams to solve real-world problems and develop innovative solutions. However, to get the most out of iGEM, it is important to understand the basic principles of the competition.
To get started, teams must develop a project idea. This idea should be based on scientific and social needs and be feasible to implement. Once a team has developed its project, it will need to conduct experiments and document results in an accessible format.
Teams may also engage in public engagement events. These events allow the public to participate in discussions about the research. Public engagement is a major aspect of iGEM because it helps teams reach out to the general public.
iGEM teams must be responsible for ensuring safety both inside and outside the lab. They should also be aware of the limits of their own capabilities.
Teams are expected to conduct ethical discussions and analyze the impact of their work. Most projects are centered on solving real-world problems, but some teams have gone beyond this to discuss wider public opinions on the ethical responsibilities of scientists.
Some teams have also developed events that continue beyond iGEM. One example is the NRP-UEA 2014 team, which established a science cafe. These monthly events help iGEM members to practice science communication skills.
Aside from conducting the project, teams must be responsible for preparing and delivering deliverables for the competition. These include presentation sessions, poster sessions, workshops, and career fairs.
For most iGEM teams, funding is essential. Without adequate funding, the work would not be possible. In addition to the financial aid, teams need support from sponsors.
Lightbulb
When it comes to innovative activities, light bulbs have been used in a wide variety of ways. They can serve as a metaphor for creative thinking, a visual symbol of a new idea, and a visual indicator of something that has been invented.
The first commercially viable electric light bulb was created by Thomas Edison. He assembled a team of scientists and engineers to improve on the design of the earliest incandescent lamps.
Other inventors also improved the efficiency of the bulb. In 1911, William Coolidge changed the bulb filament to tungsten. This was a major step forward, as the tungsten filament lasted longer than the carbon filament and provided brighter light.
Light bulbs have come a long way since their invention in the early 1900s. Their evolution is a great example of progressive diffusion as waves of innovation continue to emerge.
Incumbent incandescent bulb-producing companies were on the prowl for an alternative technology core. These firms had to contend with start-ups such as Philips and GE. Both had a need for innovations that could help them cut costs and lower their operating expenses.
For this reason, they had to find an innovation that was more than just a simple idea. Specifically, they wanted an innovation that would enable them to replace their obsolete, costly, and inefficient incandescent lamps.
They had to devise the best possible bulb design. In the meantime, they also had to compete with other light bulb manufacturers. As a result, the innovation race continued for almost two centuries.
It is not surprising then that the invention of the light bulb is one of the most important and most widely accepted ideas in history. Not only does it solve an explicit pain point, but it offers a useful lesson for interpreting the industrial economy.
Wonderbag
Wonderbag is a slow cooker that is not only an environmentally friendly cooking tool, but also a powerful catalyst for climate change. Not only does it save time and energy, it also conserves water, reduces carbon emissions, and minimizes deforestation.
Wonderbag was invented by South African entrepreneur Sarah Collins. She developed the Wonderbag concept after being inspired by the power outages in her home city of Johannesburg.
She realized that the Wonderbag was not only an innovative device, but also a good way to save wood, energy, and money. It’s also a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Since most Africans cook on a wood fire, it makes sense to find a way to decrease fuel use.
For the average household of five, using a Wonderbag could reduce their annual paraffin usage from four litres to 2.4 litres. This equates to a saving of $83 a year.
Wonderbag also saves the user from spending hundreds of hours collecting firewood and burning carbon-emitting fuels. It also prevents burns and minimizes smoke inhalation deaths. And the Wonderbag can actually be used in other ways than just cooking.
Wonderbag has been sold internationally and has distributed over a million of them. The company consulted with experts to devise a system that calculated the annual carbon savings of using the Wonderbag.
Wonderbag has a buy one, give one model. They employ 3000 women from impoverished backgrounds to make the bags. In return for a small fee, customers are given one bag and taught the skills of a master cook.
Wonderbag is a great example of an innovation that can not only improve the lives of people in Africa, but also create a safer environment. It is also an example of what can be done with the aid of a carbon credit.
Business model innovation
Business model innovation is a change in the value creation process that alters the way that products or services are sold or delivered to consumers. It can be a new method of marketing or delivering products and services, or it can be a new way of charging for these.
In addition to creating new products and services, business model innovation can reduce costs or provide real competitive advantages. It can change how an organization sources materials, sells services, or sources labor. These changes are often highly flexible and can be implemented in different situations.
Business model innovation is essential for companies to stay competitive. The global economy is shifting towards business models that address contemporary challenges. Companies must identify and address unique unmet needs in emerging markets.
Several innovations have reshaped industries and redistributed billions of dollars of value. They have also challenged company’s identity and created new ways of selling and delivering products and services.
To develop a sustainable business model, it is important to consider a human-centric approach. This means designing a value proposition that is aligned with customers’ expectations. A value proposition that is not in tune with customer needs can be detrimental to the company.
Some business model innovations are simple, such as changing the way that products are distributed or bundled. Other innovations involve using technology to deliver products and services in new ways. New technology can make products more convenient to use.
Business model innovation requires a nuanced approach, because it affects many layers of the company. Whether it is a new product, a new delivery method, or a new pricing strategy, it should be profitable.
For example, Apple’s iPhone changed the mobile phone market by providing a new pricing and distribution strategy. In contrast, Sony’s PlayStation was priced at more than $500.
Group brainstorming
Group brainstorming is a creative and collaborative process wherein a group of people develop ideas that could solve a problem. It can be fun and a useful tool for team building. However, brainstorming is a complex process and it is important to follow certain rules in order to make it successful.
The most common way to use brainstorming is in a group. This type of activity can help solve complex problems by combining different ideas from all members of the team.
There are several projective techniques that can be used in a group brainstorming session. These can include role storming and the nominal group technique.
A brainstorming tidbit: The most important element of a brainstorming session is the fact that it is collaborative. You should encourage all your team members to participate. Also, assembling the right people to discuss the issue can make the difference between a mediocre idea and a great one.
Another factor that makes brainstorming a useful exercise is the presence of a facilitator. The facilitator should be able to help everyone contribute. They should encourage creativity, help to identify the most important issues, and refocus when necessary.
In a group brainstorming session, you should also ensure that everyone has plenty of time to think. This is important as it may take a few sessions to generate enough ideas to be considered viable.
Finally, brainstorming should be a fun experience for all involved. A good example of this is Steve Jobs’ brainstorming session. He claimed to have invented the concept of brainstorming, but his brainstorming session was actually recorded by employees of his company, NeXT Computer.
Although it may not be as well-known as Microsoft or Apple, the use of brainstorming is often seen. Some of the best ideas are generated through this method.