Innovation at the intersections: Always pose the right questions
What do Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci have in common? Both found inspiration at unnatural intersections. Da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, seamlessly blended art, science and technology to develop a body of work ranging from the iconic Mona Lisa to anatomical sketches and early designs of helicopters. In a similar vein, Jobs’ passion for calligraphy, nurtured during his time at Reed College, influenced Apple’s typographic design.
His commitment to integrating art and design with technology led to the creation of products that were not only technologically advanced, but also aesthetically pleasing. In a world where art meets technology, the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs stands as a testament to the power of intersectional innovation. It’s a realm where creativity is not confined to silos, but flourishes at the convergence of diverse disciplines.
Are these isolated examples or does this happen more frequently? What can be done to make it more prevalent? There are numerous examples in recent times that exemplify how the blurring of conventional boundaries drive innovation and growth. Let’s take fashion or apparel. Globally, the emergence of ‘athleisure’ as an entire new segment exemplifies a blend of comfort and style.
It’s a response to a lifestyle that values both functionality and aesthetics: comfort, convenience and style. Closer home in India, the synthesis of traditional churidars with modern leggings created a new category; it is a form of cultural fusion that adapts heritage to contemporary fashion sensibilities. Earlier in the apparel value chain, the combination of denim with Lycra had transformed everyday wear, combining durability with comfort.
Read more on livemint.com
