Innovation Inquiry - E-vest
Innovation
Introduction
Innovation is used all over the world in our everyday lives, where most of the stuff we see is technically something that is an innovation. From when you hopped into your car many years ago, that was an innovation of an inventor named Karl Benz who now has one of the biggest car brands in the world. This is the reason why this inquiry will be focusing on innovation in general. Therefore, I will be exploring different aspects of innovation. The other aspects of innovation that will be discussed include problems, solutions and design thinking, including explaining the importance of innovation.
Define the term ‘problem’? - What is innovation?
The first step for innovation is that you must look into the word problem itself. The definition of a problem means a matter or situation regarded as harmful as something that's needed to be dealt with or figured out. For example "they have financial problems". Forever, new problems will always keep appearing. However, on the other hand, new solutions will always be found to prevent these problems. In my opinion, innovation is like the bridge between a problem and a solution.
What is design thinking? What are different ways of solving problems?
Innovation is made up of a lot of attributes, however, design thinking is the most important. Design thinking relates to a strategic and practical process by which design concepts (like plans for new products, buildings, machines, and so on), that are developed by designers and/or design teams. Design thinking involves five key steps including empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping and then finally testing (see figure.1). These steps are important for successful design thinking. Moving on with design thinking looking at different ways of solving problems. With my research, I have come up with ideas that can be used to relate to problem-solving. Firstly, identify the issues and be clear about what the problem is. This is followed by understanding everyone's interest, before listing the possible solutions using options. Furthermore, I need to evaluate the following options which are; selecting an option or option and documenting the agreement.
My research has identified that this certain guideline is useful for solving problems and is a common procedure used globally.
Figure.1
What is a problem facing people aged 13-15 in Tauranga? For my inquiry, I wanted to research what problems are faced by teenagers (13-15 years) in Tauranga. My research has highlighted that bullying is a major issue for children around this age group. Nationally, more than one in three Kiwi kids suffer bullying at school. This accounts for all types of bullying. This includes 6.7 per cent who reported being hit or pushed around by other students; 8.3 per cent who were threatened and 6.3 per cent who reported that other students took or destroyed things that belonged to them. Kiwi students report the second-highest rate of bullying within International study. These facts are unfortunate but true. I know for facts that methods are underway to solve problems like this. At my school, I know that we have a school counsellor that sorts out issues such as bullying. We proudly have a zero-tolerance bullying policy at our school.
How has design thinking solved a problem in NZ in the last 5 years?
A good example of the use of design thinking is Jess Nicholson and Freda Prak who are Year 10 students at Bethlehem College. They came up with the idea for a sustainable biodegradable bottle for cold liquids. Jess and Freda were thrilled and proud to be announced the winners of the YiA Junior category and were able to attend the 2018 YiA awards evening. They found this to be quite a big event, which made them feel special. They had to use design thinking in the process to become finalists and going on to win at young innovators awards.
Conclusion
To conclude, innovation is a useful method globally but should be enforced more into problems like bullying. This inquiry highlighted that design thinking has a process that is used to develop successful innovations. In my opinion, problems can be overcome by innovation but it comes down to using it more. Overall, innovation is important or a lot of aspects in life wouldn't be invented and you would be walking to work every day.
Works Cited
Google Search, Google, www.google.com/search?q=What+is+innovation?&oq=What+is+innovation?&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l2j69i61j0l2.323j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.
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“One in Three Kiwi Children Suffer Bullying at School.” Stuff, www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/98391033/one-in-three-kiwi-children-suffer-bullying-at-school.
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“What Comes after Those Ellipses?” BusinessDictionary.com, www.businessdictionary.com/definition/innovation.html.