Failure is a necessary part of the creative process from "summary" of The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley
Failure is a word that makes most people cringe. It conjures up images of disappointment, embarrassment, and defeat. However, for those engaged in the creative process, failure is not just a possibility, it is a necessity. It is an essential ingredient in the recipe for innovation.
When we think of great inventions and breakthrough ideas, we often focus on the end result - the brilliant product or service that changes the way we live and work. What we don't see is the long and often arduous journey that led to that success. This journey is filled with missteps, wrong turns, and outright failures. But it is through these failures that true innovation is born.
Failure forces us to rethink our assumptions, to try new approaches, and to push our boundaries. It is the catalyst for creativity, the spark that ignites the fire of innovation. Without failure, we would be stuck in our comfort zones, never venturing beyond the known and the safe.
In the world of design thinking, failure is not seen as a setback, but as a valuable learning experience. It is a chance to gather feedback, refine ideas, and ultimately improve the final product. By embracing failure as an integral part of the creative process, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and opportunities for growth.
So the next time you face a setback or encounter a roadblock on your creative journey, remember that failure is not the end, but just another step on the path to innovation. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it propel you forward towards new and exciting discoveries.
