Problem: The focus of this unit is on the idea of constant experimentation and on the role of prototyping in the evolution of new ideas, programs, products, services, and so forth. We will consider the argument that constant innovation is the mark of healthy and creative organizations.

Objectives: By the end of the unit, students will be able to: ● Describe what it means to experiment for purposes of innovation. ● Analyze strategies to create a productive culture of experimentation in an organization.

Required Readings and Viewings: Catmull, E., with Wallace, A. (2014) Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the unseen forces that stand in the way of true inspiration. New York: Random House. Read Part IV: Testing What We Know. Dyer, J., Gregersen, H., & Christensen, C. (2011). Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the five skills of disruptive innovators. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Read Chapter 6 on experimenting. Fastco Design. (2011, August 9). What schools can learn from Google, IDEO, and Pixar [Web log post with 14:51-minute embedded video]. Available at http://www.fastcodesign.com/1664735/what-schools-can-learn-from-google-ideo-and- pixar#disqus_thread Tellis, G. (2013). Why incumbents fail. In Unrelenting innovation: How to build a culture for market dominance (Chapter 1). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Videos: “Guest Innovators on Experimenting” Brown, T. (2008, May). Tales of creativity and play [Serious Play Conference TED Talk]. Available at http://www.ted.com/talks/tim_brown_on_creativity_and_play#t-234801 (27:28, but watch first 16 minutes only) Seelig, T. [ecorner]. (2014, October 17). Unlock creativity with motivation and experimentation [6:41]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH7SzKNS9Ik

Tasks: Watch the video “Guest Innovators on Experimenting.” Complete Required Readings and Viewings prior to class. Attend your live class session at the scheduled time.