The Playful History of Innovation

How is the first flute the great-grandfather of the modern computer? We say necessity is the mother of invention, but maybe we are looking at innovation all wrong.

So, let’s get back to that first question, “How is the flute the great-grandfather of the modern computer?” The answer to this question is, of course, fascinating, but it also sheds light on one of the critical ways that that innovation happens. Not not just with function in mind, but with play. We will let the author Steven Johnson, explain.

The playful wonderland behind great inventions | Steven Johnson - YouTube

The playful wonderland behind great inventions | Steven Johnson

Why It Matters

Innovation is about trial and error, and by making that process playful, we allow for people to step further out into realms of possibility and see triumphs and failures as fun.

The future needs experimenters, it needs creative thinkers, it needs the kinds of out of the box ideas that see the world in terms of connection. The more we incorporate play into our innovative thinking the more we foster creative collaboration across disciplines and cultures.

Let's Talk About It

  1. What are some of the frustrations or problems you have about the world around you?
  2. Can you think of some ways new technologies could help fix those frustrations or problems?
  3. What are some of your favorite inventions? Why?

Citations

Johnson, Steven. “The Playful Wonderland behind Great Inventions | Steven Johnson.” YouTube. TED, 09 Dec. 2016. Web. 14 Feb. 2017. < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLltkC-G5dY >.