I am an innovation researcher with a PhD in cognitive psychology from UMass Amherst. My dissertation introduced the Obscure Features Hypothesis of innovation: Every innovative solution is based upon at least one commonly overlooked (i.e., obscure) feature of the problem at hand. If nothing obscure was involved, then the solution would not be called innovative.
In my research, I systematically engage in the following steps.
My dissertation presented the first technique to successfully counter functional fixedness called the generic parts technique. Both design fixation and assumption blindness can be overcome through my feature type spectrum technique. Many other obstacles and techniques will be presented in this blog.
In my research, I systematically engage in the following steps.
- Name the cognitive obstacles to noticing the obscure (e.g., functional fixedness, design fixation, assumption blindness)
- Create a counter technique for each cognitive obstacle.
- Test the techniques experimentally.
- Apply the techniques to real-world problems.
- Teach companies and individuals how to do the techniques.
My dissertation presented the first technique to successfully counter functional fixedness called the generic parts technique. Both design fixation and assumption blindness can be overcome through my feature type spectrum technique. Many other obstacles and techniques will be presented in this blog.