The document discusses how innovation can be inspired from unexpected places. It provides examples of three innovators who drew inspiration from everyday objects and experiences - Michelle Khine was inspired by a childhood toy to develop shrink-manufacturing nanomaterials, Robert S. Langer saw auto-body repair and realized shape-memory plastics could be used for micro-sutures, and Bill Moggridge found that IDEO's multidisciplinary project rooms fostered collaboration and new ideas.

1. Innovation takes inspiration
from the strangest places….
October 1, 2009. 1

2. Shrink-manufacturing of nanomaterials
“I got the idea for shrink-
manufacturing
nanomaterials from a
childhood toy – Shrinky
Dinks”
Michelle Khine
October 1, 2009. 2

3. Self-tying micro-sutures
“In an auto-body shop I
saw them repair a dent
by heating the area; a
lightbulb went on that I
can do the same with
shape-memory plastics.” Robert S. Langer
October 1, 2009. 3

4. … innovation takes constant
collaboration among different
disciplines
October 1, 2009.
4

5. IDEO project rooms
“We set up project rooms
around the periphery of our
open office and individuals
from different disciplines go
in and provide their
perspective and contribute
Bill Moggridge ideas and solutions.”
October 1, 2009.
5