Choose a starting point

Sometimes the environment around a problem changes over time, allowing for more innovative and effective ideas to be implemented. Take the mission of: "Being able enjoy music wherever you are". Bell Labs demonstrated a new technology in 1947 called the transistor. This invention allowed for the design of the transistor radio. People went from only being able to listen to music in their homes or at live performances to being able to take music with them wherever they went.

Sanyo transistor radio

In 1963 Philips developed the compact casette which led to Sony improving on the transistor radio by releasing the first low-cost personal stereo in 1979, the Sony Walkman. Now, not only could people take music with them wherever they went, they could also choose the music they wanted to listen to rather than having to rely on a radio DJ.

Original Sony Walkman TPS-L2 from 1979

Since then a number of inventions have moved the landscape forward. From the minidisc player through to the iPod which allowed people to take 1000 songs with them wherever they went.

Every now and then a product comes along that completely changes the game. For the personal music industry that product was the iPhone. But, evolution still continues within the personal music industry – from bluetooth headphones to mp3 players you can swim with. Just because someone has found one way to solve a problem it doesn't mean there isn't another way to solve the problem or improve on the idea.

Now that you've got a gazilion ideas to choose from – how can you possibly pick one? The coming exercises will help.

For some people, there will be a clear winner of an idea. Please complete the coming exercises with an open mind all the same.

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