We’re thrilled to welcome yet another design talented intern. Looking forward to seeing the fresh new perspective he’ll bring to our upcoming projects!
School: Carnegie Mellon University
Hometown: Westfield, New Jersey
What makes him quirky: My horrible jokes.
In our second installment of creativity-killers, we’re going to explore the dreaded “topic fixation.”
Topic fixation is human nature to dangerously focus on whichever idea is first projected, especially if it’s met with popularity. The results? The exclusion of all others. And that’s not the worst part (dun, dun, dun)… truth is, no matter how well-trained we are in managing our creative outputs, the latest research reveals that we are all susceptible to conforming our ideas and possibilities.
Researchers from Texas A&M University performed three experiments in which group creativity was proven to be an overestimated method of generating ideas. In observing the phenomenon, lead researcher Nicholas Kohn explained that, “Fixation to other people’s ideas can occur unconsciously and lead to you suggesting ideas that mimic your brainstorming partners. Thus, you potentially become less creative.”
Say it ain’t so. Well, it doesn’t have to be, Quirks, because we’ve found an antidotal solution:
1. Perform individual brainstorming exercises, like these written creativity drills.
2. Devote time to simply reading and considering the value of the ideas of others.
3. Be open minded and aware of the tendency to conform.
4. Take influence breaks to improve the quality and quantity of your ideas.
By combining the four tips above you too can add to a more vibrant, fresh discussion on Quirky with a wider range of product solutions. Kind of magical, huh?
Hey Quirks!
Father’s Day is coming up quick. Because your dad deserves more than the ever-popular (and boring) necktie, we’ve provided a list of the top ready-to-buy Quirky products that are bound to make your big man smile. He’s not just one in a million, he’s one in 67.8 million. Yep, we checked the numbers. Shop away!
P.S. Did you know that the concept behind Father’s Day was dreamt up on a Mother’s Day in 1909? I’m sure I speak for Quirky Dads everywhere when I say, “Thank you Miss Sonora Dodd.”
Dad will never miss a family photo-op with this funky, portable camera tripod and key chain. By simply screwing off his Dude’s head and pulling out the retractable legs, he’ll always have the perfect on-the-go camera mount. Digidude is available in four different styles at quirky.com for $20.
Forgetful dads will love Scratch-n-Scroll, the ultimate notable mousepad. He’ll be able to jot notes on the mousepad using the built-in plastic stylus and can erase his notes at any time by flipping up the product’s semi-transparent top sheet. Voila! A clear writing surface. Available for sale at Quirky’s online store for $14.99.
Dad can keep his MacBook cables neatly wound no matter where he’s working. Quirky’s PowerCurl is a clip-on cord wrap for Apple MagSafe Power Adapters. The Curl makes it easy to unplug and pack up quickly without having to untangle extension cords the next time Dad sets up shop. Available in four colors for $14.99 at quirky.com.
Finally Dad can get bright pictures of his silly kids no matter what time of day! Quirky’s Beamer is an iPhone case with a built-in LED light, which can function as a flash for the iPhone’s camera, or a light when Timmy drops the keys under the table… again. The Beamer is available for sale in black and purple at Quirky’s online store for $38.
Dad will never have a messy desk again with Cordies, a simple cable management solution that organizes computer cables while also keeping them weighted down, so they don’t slide off his desk when disconnected. Available in pink, green, blue and charcoal at quirky.com for $12.99.
Take your germ-o-phobe Dad’s morning for a ride with Bobble Brush. These fun and colorful toothbrush holders will keep his toothbrush upright, bobbing and grime-free. The Bobble Brush comes in pink, blue, and grey and is available for sale at Quirky’s online store for $14.99.
Hello Quirks!
After celebrating a fabulous birthday yesterday, we’re ready to move full-speed through another great year. And you know what that means… self-improvement time! Oh yeah, we’re excited too.
Here at the office we thrive off of your ideas. They make us laugh, make us cry (not usually though) and speak to the true innovation of the future. But no matter how moving they may be, it’s not until you send it into our Quirky world that the real magic happens. This magic, my friends, is what we call collaboration. Collaboration is the power behind our social product development. Unfortunately, there are some actions and attitudes that have the power to stop this wonderful process in its tracks.
These are called “productivity blockers.” Studies have found that during most ideation sessions, many good (even great) ideas are lost, forgotten, and thrown to the wayside. I know what you’re thinking; Quirky ain’t no boardroom. Good point… but we can also fall into this dreaded trap if we’re not careful.
Keep yourself, and our community, safe by making sure to never (ever) commit these five PB sins:
1) Thou shall not get distracted. Why? When you want to get an idea out and developed, and do it in an original way, it’s important to focus!
2) Thou shall not repeat inspiration. Creative sparks are one of a kind, so don’t think that going back to that same person/place/thing that inspired you last time is going to help you give birth to your next great idea too. Branch out, explore some (insert noun here) new!
3) Thou shall not second-guess. Say it with us: you are a creative person with worthy ideas. Please share all of them, no matter how weird they may be!
4) Thou shall not rush. We value quality, even over efficiency. Don’t let the pressure dull your innovative thinking, okay? Stop, read submissions and comments from others, and make sure you really think before posting.
5) Thou shall not put thy eggs into one basket. Make sure spread your creative juices across multiple idea developments. Creativity is muscle to be whipped into shape.
By steering clear of these traps, you can also avoid the second creative-killer, “topic fixation”… but more on that later.
Get out and get down with your creative self. Influence away!
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