Innovation through Serendipity, Error, and Exaptation
Innovative ideas have stemmed from many different directions and in different ways. Scientists, researchers, engineers, doctors, and even bikers, have introduced new ideas out in the world that expanded beyond predictable measures. Some of these innovations were discovered accidentally, like we’ve seen with x-rays and post-it notes. Some were very much developed for a specific purpose, and some were done out of inspiration. Serendipity is one of those ways that we’ve seen innovative thinking come to life. From day-to-day, one can experience serendipitous events, like finding 10 dollars in your jeans pocket, or coming across a quote or stranger that answers a question you’ve had on your mind for a while. Similarly, in the world of innovation, when inspiration or a manifestation for creativity and developing something new comes unexpectedly, it is considered serendipity innovation. Discoveries that “occur at the intersection of chance and wisdom”, such as the discovery of gravity by...