We're constantly challenged to think outside the box. The problem is, we don't really know which box we're inside. It's only when you get outside that you can even see the box. This is one of the great paradoxes of change.
You can't think your way out of the box. What I mean is, you can't sit and stare at your existing environment and expect some kind of breakthrough. You need somehow to be tricked out of your current worldview.
One of the best ways to do this is to ask really dumb questions. Anyone can ask a smart question. It takes an innovator to ask a dumb one. Dare to question something fundamental to the way your world works, and you may stumble on the walls of the box.
Here's a great example from Fast Company. Ford were looking to use more sustainable materials in their vehicles. They had a problem with using recycled fabrics because they couldn't get repeating patterns with recycled yarn. Then the designers asked: Why do we need repeating patterns anyway? And suddenly they were outside the box. Designs of the Future
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