News17 November 2022 - 10:33

Innovation in Three Easy Steps

•Innovation does not have to be big tech breakthroughs but starts with identifying the problems in your environment •Our uniqueness ensures that each person sees differently when they view a situation

by The Star

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In a recent conversation with a management professor friend, we talked about innovation. He argued that this is the best time to execute innovative ideas in Africa as there are many pressing issues to address. Furthermore, we discussed the mind block that happens to the average person when they hear the words: “technology,” “tech," or “innovation.” Generally, people believe technology is the forte of techies in Silicon Valley. However, this is not the complete picture. Anyone can innovate.

Technology is leverage, and innovation is solving a problem. For instance: everyday, you took a two-hour walk from Westlands to Nairobi CBD to work. Then one day, you bought a bicycle. Your bicycle is leverage (technology) and a time-saving machine (innovation). The bicycle shortened your travel time by 90 minutes and solved your problem. Based on this example, you can innovate in three simple steps.

Observe Your Environment: Tech companies hire anthropologists to observe human behaviour, context, and choices. The idea is to understand why people do what they do. Here, you are not concerned with solutions, you watch and note what we see. In my view, the first step to innovation is observation. Look around you, what do you see? What issues are people complaining about? What is causing people pain? Open your eyes and see what is happening around you.

Innovation does not have to be big tech breakthroughs. It starts with identifying the problems in your environment. Also, try to understand how it affects people. Innovation that doesn’t solve a problem is useless. Take time to understand the context of the problem. Don’t think too hard or look far, observe where you are. Problems are screaming for solutions, and those who respond, win.

Pick a Problem: Generally, those who look for problems tend to find them. In your observation process, identify one problem that you would like to solve. Our uniqueness ensures that each person sees differently when they view a situation. I might see the water problem in Nairobi, while you see the garbage disposal issue; we see differently. Therefore, find a problem that fits your passion – it keeps you motivated as you work at solving it.

Solve the Problem: You have observed your environment, and picked a problem, so how do you solve the problem? What leverage (technology) can you introduce to the situation? How would it stop (innovation) people’s pain? A solution that works completes the innovation cycle. Once people testify to the relief your solution offered, you have achieved innovation.

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