The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) hosted an enlightening discourse on creativity's limitless potential during its inaugural event, "PDE Presents." The event, led by Craig Whittet, Head of the Product Design Engineering (PDE) program, aimed to bridge art and science to create innovative products that enhance human experiences.
Roy Sharples, the keynote speaker, provided a perspective on creativity and its role in nurturing innovation. His insights, captured in the recorded lecture, offer a roadmap for individuals and organizations seeking to harness creative power for the greater good.
1. Creativity is the ability to make the invisible Visible
Sharples described creativity as the ability to make the invisible visible—transcending the ordinary and routine to connect the past to the present. It is a belief in oneself and one's ideas, a constant forward motion fueled by resilience and an unwavering commitment to progress.
2. The Modernists, Misfits & Mavericks Who Make Innovation Happen
According to Sharples, true creatives are the outsiders—the rebels with a cause. Creativity involves standing against oppressive forces, providing something new to the world, and positively impacting lives. It is about embracing originality, making unique connections, and influencing the future.
3. Nothing survives long-term without embracing both radical and incremental innovation
Sharples emphasized the necessity for continuous innovation, balancing radical and incremental approaches. While startups embrace radical innovation with higher risks, mature businesses focus on incremental improvements. Both are crucial for sustained success.
4. Popular Culture Reflects Time
Design, as Sharples highlighted, influences society and reflects the zeitgeist. Creativity shapes culture from ancient civilizations to modern metropolises, offering a vehicle for societal change and progress.
5. Setting the right conditions for the urban revolution is essential for a better life and society
Creative hubs, combined with individual ingenuity, foster breakthroughs. Sharples pointed to historical examples, from Ancient Egypt to Silicon Valley, underscoring the role of diverse communities in driving innovation.
6. Architecture and design influence how people feel and connect them emotionally that triggers the imagination
Architecture and design speak a global language, influencing people's feelings and connecting them emotionally. Venues like the Cavern Club and the Haçienda became epicenters of cultural movements, providing spaces for like-minded individuals to self-identify and feel liberated.
7. Culture is the engine that drives our momentum
Culture, shaped by shared experiences and interactions, drives momentum. It is the sum of what individuals feel, believe, and do, influencing the input and output of their work.
8. Magic Takes Planning
Sharples detailed a creative process: Dream, Make, and Do. This process's iterative and constant nature allows for customized approaches based on craft, situation, and opportunity.
9. Lead Without Frontiers by seeing around the corners fearlessly navigating the future
Creative leaders must possess confidence and resilience, leading without frontiers and fearlessly navigating the future. Sharples introduced the Creative Excellence Model, outlining principles for leadership across individual, team, and organizational levels.
10. It is all about Attitude, Imagination and Execution
In closing, Sharples emphasized that creativity is about attitude, imagination, and execution. Following one's passion, embracing creativity, and realizing one's potential is essential for leaving a lasting impact on the world.
In the words of Sharples, "Remember, our outputs are the next generation's inputs! That comes with accountability and responsibility to pass the baton to the next generation by leaving the world in better shape than you found. Make it count! It is all about ATTITUDE, IMAGINATION, and EXECUTION."
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About the Speaker
Roy Sharples
Founder and CEO of Unknown Origins Creative Studios, is in the fight against unoriginality by unleashing creative bravery. Author of "Creativity Without Frontiers: How to make the invisible visible by lighting the way into the future."
About the Facilitator
Craig Whittet
Head of the Department for Product Design Engineering (PDE), a collaborative program taught at the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Glasgow. He educates, coaches, and mentors the next generation of product design engineers by blending creativity, design, and engineering science to create elegant, engaging experiences and products.
Attitude. Imagination. Execution.
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