need to add title here

Building creative self-confidence

January 7, 2013 12:49 PM

IDEO founder David Kelley tells Charlie Rose that one of his primary goals is encouraging people and organizations to believe in their own ability to think creatively.

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by glade January 10, 2013 11:27 PM EST
Terry, a few suggestions:

1. You need to change your perspective about people. Those who don't appreciate your designs aren't necessarily "short of brain cells". People have different strengths, and the majority of personality types cannot readily receive grandiose ideas. As the inventor, it is YOUR job to communicate your ideas in a way suitable for your audience. This is an art you must master if you don't want to die of frustration.
2. Creative design is not equal to effective design. Good design thinking involves being creative within your resource constraints, else the design cannot materialize and you're stuck with an invention, not an innovation. Sure, your ideas may be creative, but have you taken the necessary steps to prove your concepts and show that they can really meet the goals of your organization within the culturally accepted cost and timeframe? It may help to pair yourself with someone who is highly methodical and execution-driven to cover your weaknesses.
3. You, like 99.9% of folks interested in IDEO-level companies, will most likely not hear back from IDEO from simply posting a comment here or submitting a resume to the IDEO website. They likely have thousands of strong resumes already clogging their real and electronic mailboxes. If you really want a shot at IDEO, etc, you need to put together a highly impressive portfolio and find a way to meet with an actual IDEO employee. Alternatively, make a name for yourself by creating and selling or otherwise showcasing an amazing product, and approach the IDEO team as an equal.

Forrest Liau
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by terry_livell January 7, 2013 8:36 PM EST
I am sending you this response to inquire into what the proceedure is to apply for a creative design position at the IDEO Company. I have been working in the Mechanical Engineering field for over 30 years. I often feel, on a regular basis, that I am so frustrated to be around people who profess to be in my peer group, yet I find most peoples thinking to be negligible and restrictive, with creativity greatly lacking. I am constantly come up with design ideas that are often so far over everyones head, they just stare at me with a dumbfounded look on their faces. I take a deep breathe and wonder why I bother to try to deal with people who are short of brain cells.
I have a dozen or so ideas that I have proven by showing them to others, after they sign disclosure agreements. They have said that many of my ideas are cutting edge and a few revolutionary.
Please, can you tell me how and where I have to come or do, to submit an application and possibly secure an interview for a chance to sell myself and my ideas. I would love to work in a group setting with others who have the same type of creativeness to develop new products. My GOD, My mind is filled with ideas and constantly flashing with many different projects at once. Trying to keep everything straight is becoming a chore.
Please get in touch with me by email at terry_livell@yahoo.com OR 636-368-1218 so we might discuss a chance to join IDEO's team of creative minds.

Sincerely,
Terry Livell
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