Invention
An invention (noun) is the outcome or process of inventing. Invention (verb) is the action of creating something new.
For our purposes, to invent means creating a new object or process or way of achieving a goal that improves on the current state of affairs
At Invention Bootcamp we consider invention to be learnable skill.
Table of contents
Invention Processes
Invention occurs in a wide variety of contexts and with a wide variety of outcomes.
People using invention can
- create devices or machines that perform useful tasks.
- creating business processes that reduce costs or produce better outcomes for customers.
- build social networks that connect people with needed resources.
- apply scientific discoveries into products.
- improve education practices
- and more …
Design Thinking and Human-centered design
Design thinking is a process of applying observation, creativity, prototype development, testing and deployment, all towards solving a problem that matters to people.
What is Design Thinking?
- What is design thinking 2 minute video from Ideo
- Design thinking 101 from the Nielson Norman Group
Introduction to Design
In this video Introduction Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society from the first lecture of a course on Coursera, the definition of design is
Design: conceiving and giving form to artifacts that solve problems
Problem-solving process in design
- Recognition of a gap
- Design creates a plan
- Plan is used to produce an artifact
Design Thinking and Human-centered design add steps to the design process
- Empathizing with users to understand their situation
- Recognition of a gap
- Design creates a plan
- Plan is used to produce an artifact
- Develop and test prototypes, iteration
- Deploy the invention
Resources
- The Lemelson Center at MIT has extensive information on inventors and the invention process
- Case studies of current young inventors
- Archive of Inventors
- The Inventor Handbook provides guidance on patents, what is patentable and turning an idea into a business.