Innovation design and creativity for competitive advantage

INNOVATION DESIGN & CREATIVITY for COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

The objective of this work is to compare and contrast 'innovation', 'design' and 'creativity' through defining each of these terms and discussing their business implications.

Innovation is defined as "the introduction of something new" or "a new idea, method, or device." (Merriam-Webster, 2009)

(2) Design is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "to create, fashion, execute or construct according to plan," "to conceive and plan out in the mind."

(3) Creativity is defined as "the quality of being creative" or "the ability to create." (Merriam-Webster, 2009)

As can be seen from the definitions of the terms 'innovation', 'design', and 'creativity', there are inherent differences in each of these terms and this is particularly true in the business world. The work of John Locke entitled: "What are Innovation, Creativity and Design?" states that creativity and innovation are often used interchangeably" however, according to Locke "there are fundamental differences." (nd)

I. Innovation

According to Locke "creativity plus implementation" is that which comprises or equals 'innovation'. (nd) Therefore, creativity is "…an essential building block for innovation." (Locke, nd)

II. Creativity

Locke writes that creativity alone or to simply "…come up with ideas is not enough" because in order to realize the benefits of creativity requires that those ideas be applied. Creativity is stated by Locke to be: (1) an inherently individual act; (2) some are more creative than are others; (3) creativity is reliant on intrinsic motivation; and (4) creativity relates to a concept to a particular body of knowledge. (nd) the components that affect creativity include: (1) encouragement of creativity; (2) autonomy; (3) resources; (4) pressures; and (5) organizational impediments. (nd) the work of Odson et al. (1995) state that there are four levels of innovation: (1) new-to-the-world products; (2) line extensions; (3) me-too-products; and (4) product modifications. (cited in Locke, nd) the work Jane Henry (1991) identifies five sources of creativity: (1) grace; (2) accident; (3) association; (4) cognition; and (5) personality. (cited in Locke, nd) the process of creativity is one that involves the stages of: (1) preparation; (2) incubation; (3) illumination; and (4) verification. (Locke, nd)

III. Design