Creativity and Innovation – is there a difference?
I was looking through my site stats last night and came across an interesting search query that lead to my site; “difference between innovation and creativity”. That really got me thinking – is there a difference? We throw around both words rather frequently in this “Web 2.0” world and I wonder how many of us really understand the difference and relationship between the two, do I even know myself?
According to Dictionary.com:
Creativity is defined as
The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination: the need for creativity in modern industry; creativity in the performing arts.
Innovation is defined as
The act of innovating; introduction of new things or methods. The act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new. Something new or different introduced.
Is creativity just a “prettier” way of saying innovation; or vice-versa? Both terms conclude that something “new” is taking shape; innovation seems to focus on the concept of “introduction” while creativity seems to focus on the concept of “creation”. Perhaps innovation is the introduction of creativity?
We, as creative designers, are often looked-to for innovation and creativity. We are often tasked with “thinking outside the box”, to be creative and to create solutions to problematic objectives. So, when we step up to the plate are we being innovative or creative?
From the definitions above, it seems as though we are being creative and our boss’ boss is being innovative when introducing our creativity – is that true? Is there a pay-grade or executive-title that draws a line between innovation and creativity? Are the executives of the world looking to the designers of the world to be creative so they can be innovative? Can you be innovative without being creative? Can you be creative without being innovative?
I would like to think I am both, innovative and creative – regardless of any formalities, restrictions or requirements on “introduction”. In our little niche within this industry, creativity and innovation go hand-in-hand. To truly be creative, you must be innovative. If you are not being innovative, you are just designing. To be a creative designer and demand creativity from your work is what separates us – then and only then are you also being innovative.
- October 27th, 2006
- 2comments
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You are both, innovative and creative, and while I would say there is some overlap between the two concepts, they are not the same things.
Innovation is not always thinking outside the box. Often it is thinking of new ways to arrange things inside the box.
And it is not just a little niche in the industry where innovation and creativity can go hand-in-hand. Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park was considered a center for innovation in the designs they created for
the incandescent light bulb and early recording devices, but those designs were the result of many
years of creative trial and error.
Vincent Van Gogh is considered to be a creative genius in our time, but the foundation of his impressionist art was in applying innovative ideas to existing painting techniques.
You can have one without the other, but it is easier to find success as a blend of the two ideas in your efforts.
Cary, thanks for sharing — I agree with you on all parts; perfectly put!
My only post to ever go this long without a comment, thought I was losing my touch or something.