Process of innovation through “The five rivers of creativity”

Some insightful concepts I learnt related to the roots of innovation during our visit to Miraikan - The future museum in Odaiba (The best science museum I've ever visited so far and I'm so glad it's just there in our neighborhood. One day is definitely not enough to completely explore this place.)

• Association - Associating novel concept from one field for the advancement of another field,  Conventional computer vs Quantum computer (Associating the properties of quantum mechanics with computer science) 

Examples:

• Quantum dot marking (Associating placing an marker on an object to detect target substances on the smallest scale) 
• Intra body communications (Associating conductivity with telecommunications with communicating via the human body 

• Integration - Combining and integrating things with different properties for a single purpose gives us the ability to generate new things (The idea of lab on a chip) 

Examples:

• Bio machine hybrid system (Insect controlled robot to investigate the ability of an insect to adopt to perturbations 
• Mechano bionic machine (Integrating living muscles as a power source to machines) - Power source coming from the heart of an insect 
• Metal plated fibres (Make fabric conductive by plating the surface of a synthetic fibre with a metal - lightness, strength, flexibility along with conductivity)  - Applications in Electronics products 

• Serendipity - Unexpected developments give us the ability to make fortunate discoveries - The idea of conductive polymer (conductive plastics) by Dr. Shirakawa 

Examples: 

• Post-it notes (Easily attachable and detachable memo slips as a solution for falling book marks using low tack adhesive) 
• Hook and loop fasteners - idea inspired by the pet dog afflicted with burrs 
• Large scale synthesis of carbon nano tubes

• Mimic - Taking hints from the existing functions and forms gives us the ability to create things that formally didn’t exist or achieve things that couldn’t be done - Artificial Photo synthesis (Bio inspired) 

Examples: 

• Learning super water repellency from lotus leaves 
• Morphotex - development of fibre that generates beautiful colors without dying inspired by the wings of morpho butterfly 

• Alternative- New ideas unconstrained by traditional values give us the ability to create new things (Color filter for a LCD) 

Examples: 

• Making artificial skin using the hair thrown away during a hair cut (self recycling) 
• Retinal imaging display (project a video directly into retina in the eye) same as pouring music using ear phones)
• Power generating floor (using the force applied to the floor while walking)