What it means to use curiosity

Curiosity is the desire to explore, ask questions, and seek new knowledge or experiences. It drives people to wonder "what if" and "why," which are essential for creativity. Instead of accepting things as they are, curiosity encourages deeper thinking, leading to fresh ideas and new solutions.

• It means being open-minded and looking at things from different angles.
• It involves asking "why," "what if," and "how" to understand ideas deeply.
• It requires exploring beyond familiar areas, seeking inspiration from different fields, cultures, and experiences.
• It encourages people to experiment and take risks, even when ideas are uncertain.

For example, if someone wants to improve how people communicate, curiosity might lead them to explore new technology, different cultural approaches, or historical methods of communication.

Why continued curiosity is important 

Curiosity is important for creativity because:

• It opens the mind to new possibilities, helping to generate original ideas.
• It encourages problem-solving, as asking questions can reveal new ways of thinking.
• It helps overcome fear of failure, making it easier to experiment and take creative risks.
• It connects different ideas, using insights in one area to inspire solutions in another.

For example, someone curious about nature might notice how plants grow in patterns, leading them to apply similar structures when designing something new.

As we build up experience, it is easy to fall into the trap of becoming less curious because we assume we know how to do things. That is when we have to be deliberate about seeking out new concepts and ideas.

How to seek concepts and ideas to innovate from

Curiosity can be developed and strengthened through intentional habits. Some ways to cultivate and use curiosity include:

• Ask "why" and "what if" questions: Challenge assumptions and explore different perspectives.
• Seek out new experiences: Exposure to different ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking can inspire creativity.
• Read widely and explore different fields: Inspiration often comes from unexpected sources.
• Observe the world closely: Pay attention to patterns, details, and unusual connections.
• Experiment with ideas: Try new approaches, even if they seem uncertain at first.
• Stay open to learning: Being willing to change opinions and accept new information fuels creativity.
• Go out of your comfort zone: Do things that stretch beyond your existing experience and which might seem uncomfortable.

For example, if you're trying to come up with a new way to organise information, looking at how nature, architecture, or digital interfaces are structured could lead to creative insights.

By embracing curiosity, asking the right questions, and applying discoveries in meaningful ways, creativity can flourish and lead to exciting new innovations.