Beyond Incrementalism: Embracing Radical Innovation through Philosophy and Psychology
In recent years, the limitations of Design Thinking in fostering radical innovation have become a topic of debate among scholars and practitioners. While Design Thinking is praised for its structured approach to problem-solving and user-centric design, it often falls short in driving truly transformative changes. This shortfall is partly due to the inherent nature of the methodology, which tends to emphasize iterative improvements and problem-solving within existing paradigms rather than challenging and redefining those paradigms. In essence, Design Thinking is more adept at refining what already exists rather than creating what does not (Emergent Futures Lab, 2024).
This limitation can be further understood through the lens of Gestalt psychology, particularly the concept of functional fixedness. Functional fixedness refers to the cognitive bias that restricts individuals to using objects only in the way they are traditionally used. This mental block can stifle creativity and innovation by preventing individuals from seeing alternative uses or solutions. For example, when tasked with solving a problem, people often fixate on familiar solutions and fail to consider novel approaches that could lead to breakthrough innovations (Wikipedia, 2024). This cognitive bias is akin to the way Design Thinking often restricts itself to user needs and existing frameworks, thus limiting its capacity for radical innovation.
To break free from these constraints, we can turn to philosophical insights, particularly those from Plato, which suggest a more profound approach to quality and innovation. In the paper “There is More to Quality than Continuous Improvement: Listening to Plato,” Sower and Fair argue that continuous improvement methodologies, such as Total Quality Management and Six Sigma, focus too narrowly on incremental changes and empirical data. They propose that true quality and innovation require a broader, more aspirational perspective that considers the highest ideals and ethical dimensions of a given practice (Sower and Fair, 2005).
Plato’s philosophy encourages us to strive for the highest form of good, which in the context of innovation, means aiming for transformative changes that redefine industries and societies. This approach aligns with the need to overcome functional fixedness by fostering a mindset that values critical thinking, ethical considerations, and visionary goals. By integrating these philosophical insights into our understanding of innovation, we can move beyond the limitations of Design Thinking and continuous improvement. Instead of merely solving existing problems, we can create new paradigms and possibilities.
In conclusion, the synthesis of these three ideas highlights the need for a more holistic and aspirational approach to innovation. By recognizing the limitations of Design Thinking, understanding the cognitive biases that hinder creativity, and embracing the philosophical pursuit of the highest good, we can foster a culture of radical innovation that not only improves existing systems but also creates new ones.
References
Emergent Futures Lab, 2024. Why is Design Thinking so Bad at Radical Innovation?. [online] Available at: https://emergentfutureslab.com/blog/radical-innovation [Accessed 12 June 2024].
Wikipedia, 2024. Functional fixedness. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_fixedness [Accessed 12 June 2024].
Sower, V.E. and Fair, F., 2005. There is More to Quality than Continuous Improvement: Listening to Plato. Quality Management Journal, [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257985186_There_is_More_to_Quality_than_Continuous_Improvement_Listening_to_Plato [Accessed 12 June 2024].