1. Survey the Cosmos
It’s important to know your surroundings, both within your industry and location, and outside of it. What are the trends, what are the developing technologies, what stories are being told…or not being told. Our goal here is to make sure we take advantage of latest and greatest ideas and resources without copying what someone else is already doing.
2. Evolution or Revolution?
We’re assuming the goal is to create something new…not just a copy of something else. So, just how big a step forward are we comfortable making? Are we creating the next evolution of an experience, or are we trying to create an entirely new category of experience? There are different risks associated with both scenarios. Much of the information needed to make this decision will be gathered while we Survey the Cosmos. The ultimate decision, however, will come down to an educated guess informed a little bit by gut feeling.
3. Connect the Dots…Differently
Now that we know where we’re headed, and how far we’re headed…it’s time to cherry pick the best ideas and resources we can develop…reorganize them into a new form…and fill in the gaps where needed.
4. Reshuffle as needed
Creativity is a messy business. Often the destination is theoretical, and can only be seen once the journey has begun. Sometimes, it becomes apparent that the destination doesn’t exist…at least not the destination everyone had in mind. When that happens, it’s time to go back to the Survey of the Cosmos, recheck the dots, and plot a new course. Often the original criteria of the project can be met, it will just look different than originally conceived.
5. Enjoy the view…but not too long
Once you’ve blazed new territory, found your way to a cutting-edge experience, it’s tempting to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. This is a good idea, for a while. It’s important to see how people are using this new experience that you created. Learn everything you can…what works, what doesn’t, why, how? Just about the time you’ve caught your breath, someone else will be showing up with their own version of what you’ve just accomplished…or worse, they’ll have learned form your mistakes, and actually gone a bit further. So, look around, survey the recently added constellations in the cosmos, and chart a new direction.