INVENT
What to Invent?
To invent is to contrive something new – but since nothing is entirely new, some aspect of its configuration must differ from existing arrangements enough to be considered an original formation. By contrast, innovation is the introduction of something into common use. However, inventions are novel but not necessarily beneficial – many are obviously detrimental. What should be invented are those contrivances that are clearly worthwhile.
Why to Invent?
As the previous paragraph suggests, the purpose for invention should be a contribution that gives value-added to those who use it or are impacted by it. By this criterion most of the commercial inventions that have been turned into innovations should be re-called, and re-designed or retro-fitted. What about the gains that inventors seek? No one should profits at the expense of others – mutual benefits all ‘round should be assured.
When to Invent?
Responding to a lack, rectifying a mistake, anticipating a problem – all are appropriate occasions for invention. Many cases have occurred where an invention came “before its time” and either never caught on, or had to wait for apposite circumstances to eventually arise. Other cases faced the opposite problem, an invention whose time had already passed when the novelty was ready to be launched. Patience, persistence, planning.
Whether to Invent?
Is there an authentic need for what is being proposed or offered? How could we tell? (1) Will it provide real benefits? (2) Do prospective users want it? (3) Will its external impacts be acceptable or ameliorable? If any or all of the answers to these questions are “NO” then either costs or detriments will outweigh benefits so the invention should be foregone. If all of the answers are yes then that is the kind of invention we need more of.
How to Invent?
All contrivances re-cycle previous cultural elements and combine them in a new way. Don’t strive for the “entirely” new – even a slight variation can be a great invention (Wiener, 1993). Think analogously – creative thinking is a process of “bisociation”, the bringing together of elements previously not associated but suddenly juxtaposed during a flash of insight, or laboriously assembled through much cognitive effort (Koestler, 1964).
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