The
Art of Innovation |
Mini-review by Jim Young |
This book is subtitled "Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America's Leading Design Firm." Tom Kelley, the author, is general manager of IDEO, the firm his brother, David founded. "The Art of Innovation" serves two purposes. First, it is an absolutely outstanding commercial for IDEO without being intrusive. I serve as Chairman of a technology start-up, and before I had finished the first third of the book, I had decided to contact IDEO about providing services to my company. By the time I finished the book, I was even more certain. In fact, tomorrow we have our second meeting with IDEO.
Second, this book is filled with ideas and techniques for applying creativity & innovation in any organization. For more than twenty years, I have had a strong interest in creativity and have worked closely with some of the world's leading creativity experts. Yet, even with this background, I picked up a number on useful new ideas and techniques.
"The Art of Innovation" is well organized and well written. It is easy to read, and Tom Kelley has filled the book with stories to illustrate his points. I have filled my copy with underlines and margin notes.
Each year since 1997, I have selected a book as my top choice for that year. "The Art of Innovation" is a top candidate for my top choice for 2001.