The creativity and innovation They are two concepts that, although closely related, are different from each other. The magic is that both, together, make a huge difference in the entrepreneurial world.
There are many companies that throughout their history have set a precedent in terms of creativity and innovation. Today, it is possible to view it thanks to companies such as Apple, Netflix, Amazon or, in recent years, Pfizer.
All those innovative companies use various technological resources for their growth and expansion. And, beyond that, they listen to the needs of the most demanding users and customers, who are precisely the ones that drive a company to be more creative and innovative.
But to better understand that fine line between creativity and innovation, and how they converge, I invite you to keep reading. Since throughout this article you will be able to identify their similarities and differences.
Shall we start?
Creativity and innovation concept
Before going into these two concepts, it is worth noting that the common denominator of a company is based on creating something new and different. Why? Because they help them stand out, differentiate themselves from the competition and, above all, survive. So this is where the creativity and innovation concept as a key factor for the generation of new and better ideas.
What is creativity?
Creativity is what allows you to relate one thing to another, even when it seems that they have nothing in common. In addition, it is a quality linked to originality in various fields such as: painting, writing, music, architecture, design, business, etc.
Believe it or not, creativity is within yourself. Perhaps you have not yet managed to feel the confidence to face it or develop it, but it is true that it is an important and particular mental skill that you need to learn to manage, especially if you want to undertake.
How to improve creativity?
Is it possible to improve your creative side? Yes! There are several methods, you can start with one of the following three.
- Ask yourself questions.
- Go to the limitations.
- Look carefully around you.
1. Ask yourself questions
One of the best techniques to fuel your creativity is through questions. Since, thanks to these, you arouse your curiosity and begin to explore possible solutions for the same situation.
2. Resort to limitations
Limitations allow you to be more flexible as you explore other alternatives. For example, if you repeatedly use the same word, leave it out of your vocabulary for a while. This will drive you to look for new ones and perhaps you will find new ways to express yourself.
3. Look carefully around you
This allows you to carefully appreciate each and every detail within your environment, discover patterns and see things from another perspective.
What is innovation?
Unlike the previous skill, innovation is the process that allows these new ideas, which arise thanks to creativity, to be carried out. It can be seen reflected through services, products and even processes. And, although it is not necessarily something new, it is true that it represents the evolution of something that is sought to be made available to the market.
What does innovation look like in the market?
It can be reflected through the improvement of something existing or through a new method of production or development. This, without neglecting the implementation of new technologies that, as I mentioned at the beginning, are the resource for the growth and expansion of any company.
There are 5, which I share below:
- open
- disruptive
- reverse
- incremental
- Radical
Delve into the topic:
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Similarities Between Creativity and Innovation
One of the similarities between creativity and innovation is that both have the same goal, which is focused on creating and bringing new ideas to life.
If we talk about entrepreneurship, both concepts must work together to seek new opportunities, improve skills and create better strategies that allow the necessary growth to progress and compete in a highly capable market.
Here are several points that summarize their similarities:
- They require a high level of imagination.
- They visualize something unique.
- Innovation is impossible without a creative side.
Differences between creativity and innovation
There are certain marked differences between the two. Creativity, for example, is more related to the objectives, while innovation focuses on how to reach those objectives or goals. In other words, the first talks about the concept, while the second focuses on the process. To help you visualize it clearly, I share the following formula.
Something that differentiates both terms is that for creativity there are no measurements, while for innovation there are. For example, in a company it is possible to measure the number of new proposals, the number of successful projects or the percentage of sales of new products.
To investigate more about the differences between creativity and innovation, below I share several points that summarize them.
- Creativity changes perception, innovation reality.
- Creativity requires thought, innovation needs action.
- Creativity imagines, innovation delivers something new.
Finally, and if we speak in terms of business and its leaders. A creative leader encourages reflection from his team, while an innovative leader provokes action from his team.
Examples of creativity and innovation in products and companies
Currently, there are different industries that resort to creativity and innovation to offer their customers improvements to existing services or products. These are some of the creativity and innovation projects that are in process or are already a reality.
1.Skynest
Are you going to travel long hours in economy class? This is an initiative promoted by Air New Zealand through which it seeks to offer a comfortable experience for those who are going to make a long flight in economy class.
This new initiative seeks to implement comfortable bunks so that each passenger can rest. This innovative idea was inspired by the already popular capsule hotels found in Japan and in multiple airports around the world.
2. Qoobo
Would you like to have a pet, but you lack time? Don’t worry! Qoobo seeks to be a low-maintenance companion, this being a therapeutic robot that accompanies you as a cushion. The user caresses it and it reacts, giving a feeling of company and calm.
3.Embr Wave
Do you live in a place with a lot of cold or excessive heat? This bracelet is intended to balance your personal thermostat so you feel comfortable at all times. If you are cold, add heat and if you are hot, add cold. Since, according to various studies, it is possible to regulate your body temperature through your wrists.
4.Mokase
Protect your cell phone and make yourself a coffee at the same time? It sounds unimaginable, but it is a creative and innovative idea come true. It is a case that transforms your cell phone into a portable coffee maker through disposable cartridges that are heated through an application and allow you to enjoy a delicious hot coffee no matter where you go.
5.Lynq
Do you like nature, but are you afraid of getting lost? This is not going to happen to you thanks to this GPS locator that does not need a signal to work.
6.Air wheel
If you are a frequent traveler and you usually stop at huge airports, this may be the ideal solution for you. This model of luggage not only serves to pack everything you need, but also serves as a small transport in which you can sit and move. It has a USB charger, supports up to 100 kilos of weight and advances at a maximum speed of up to 10 kilometers per hour.
In conclusion
Confusion persists between the term creativity and the concept of innovation. Since although both are different, it is also true that they are closely related.
Now that you know that these qualities are important within business, you have a broader picture to identify how to apply creativity and innovation in a specific product or within your business.
For example, when creating for your online store, when creating content for your social networks and email marketing campaigns or when designing your , to name a few.
In addition to creativity and innovation, businesses need technological sales channels, which allow them to reach more people in a simple and secure way. Such is the case of an online store, which functions as a showcase, a digital contact center and, sometimes, as a single point of sale.
Does your business already have an online store? If the answer is no, Tiendanube gives you 30 days free to try the platform and do your ecommerce in 5 steps, without the need for a programmer or technical knowledge. Wait no more and!
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