After reading the fifth chapter of Where Good Ideas Come From, I really started to realize how much of an impact noise and error can make when it comes to innovation. Johnson explained how noise and error are two common factors that enhance the innovation process. I found it fascinating how he explained that noise and error are often mistaken as distractions, and these two factors can actually be more helpful rather than harmful in the innovative process. A sentence that stood out to me in the chapter was “The best innovation labs are always a little contaminated.” (142), which I definitely agree with.
This chapter made me curious as to what other people do to make them focused. For me, if I play classical or instrumental music when I do homework, I can concentrate better. Contrary, I know that others can listen to loud and upbeat music and still have a focused mindset. Then, there’s another group of people that need to work in silence because any sort of background noise is distracting. So my question is this: what makes you focused? Silence or sound?
I agree that error helps innovation because they let us see our mistakes and let us improve upon our mistakes. For example, it took Thomas Edison over 1,000 trials to invent the light bulb, but his errors made him able to create a good working light bulb. I think errors are necessary because they allow us to keep learning and improving. Also to answer your question, I focus better with some noise like music or the tv. Although sometimes when I listen to a song with lyrics, I begin to sing along and lose focus, so I change the music to an instrumental song.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you and Johnson that most productivity comes from distracting surroundings. Also, the people who are viewed as mad, are usually the people who invent things such as the telephone or the lightbulb. In my opinion, any invention is crazy until proven useful. But there are also other types of geniuses, ones that have to have everything perfect and in order. Things for them have to be silent and distraction free. So to answer your question, I work well in both conditions depending on the song or overall surrounding; meaning I cannot work well if someone is talking to me, or my favorite song comes on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as innovation doesn't happen with the first try. There needs to be many attempts, and this is even shown with the quote "practice makes perfect." When a mistake is made, it is addressed then something is changed to prevent the mistake from being made again. Furthermore, noise affects innovation by changing the amount of a person's concentration, and it changes from person to person. Sometimes I need extremely loud music, but sometimes I need dead silence to be productive and focused. Surprisingly, for me, there is no in between.
ReplyDeleteI remember last school year reading an article about how we should be excited when we make mistakes. They get stuck in our brains so it's easier to remember what we did wrong rather than what we did right. The errors we make help us grow whether we get excited about them or not. I also agree with Annie that there is no in between with me. I will either listen to music, watch tv, or just sit in silence.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Annie's comment on "practice makes perfect" relating to innovation. We wouldn't be where we are at today if it weren't for the mistakes we have made. Once we have fixed our mistakes we have the ability to move onto something bigger and better and improve. However, I think that someone's focus is factored by more than noise and/or silence, emotions can also factor to one's focus.
ReplyDeleteWhether it be mistakes while doing homework or making mistakes in real life situations, they are good for us. Nobody is perfect no matter how hard they may try to be. We are meant to make mistakes on purpose. Making mistakes can help us come up with something better or help us do something better. Thinking about your other topic sound,hearing obnoxiously loud sounds like people yelling or a car engine can really distract me. However, I also don't like working in complete silence for it somewhat freaks me out. I like to listen to music but at a soft volume so that I don't get distracted by it.
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