Unleashing
creativity in
Google’s CSI:Lab
This is the first in a ****** of posts profiling Googlers who facilitate classes as part of our “Googlers-to-Googlers” program (k**wn internally as “g2g”). The g2g community consists of a group of Googlers who are passionate about teaching, sharing and learning from one a**ther. Regardless of role, level or location, g2g's community-based approach makes it possible for all Googlers to take advantage of a variety of learning opportunities. Our philosophy is: the best teacher you've ever had could be the one in the cube next to you. - Ed
For most people, the term “CSI” evokes images of crime scene investigators solving murder mysteries, like on the popular TV ******. But I hadn’t heard of the TV show when I created the
CSI:Lab at Google. This program on Creative Skills for In**vation is taught through our “Googlers-to-Googlers” (g2g) program—where Googlers teach other Googlers about topics that interest them. We don’t lift fingerprints or take down criminals, but like the show,
CSI:Lab is all about reaching an end goal through brainstorming, getting your hands dirty and an “ensemble” performance.
Here I am welcoming a CSI:Lab
Over the course of my travels a few years ago, I had the opportunity to observe a variety of diverse places and cultures, from Shanghai to Capetown. Experiencing dissimilar cultures allowed me to see how people from different walks of life in**vate to survive and thrive, and deepened my interest in the topic of in**vation. One of the reasons I was drawn to Google was its unique in**vation culture. Soon after arriving here in February 2010, I began to delineate what was tangible about that aspect of the Google culture and was determined to figure out how I could immerse both myself and others in it more. This led me to think about how I could use the k**wledge I gathered on in**vation from my travels to teach those with different occupations and mindsets—from a salesperson to a project manager to an engineer—to think more about how to be in**vative and to ignite change in a company.
In my 20 percent time, I decided to develop a class with a “lab” component to show Googlers how to “experience in**vation.” I wanted to get a diverse group of people together in one room to solve challenging problems by learning from each other’s experiences, and by developing their own inner strengths. The goal was to enable Googlers to experience an approach to in**vation where one learns by
doing, rather than by
listening.
CSI:Lab is user-centered and prototype driven. In each class, small groups are formed to answer a broad challenge that entices folks to think big—such as, “How would you change the commuting to work experience?” Participants are asked to interview potential “users” of their solutions to generate insights. After the surveys, all the ideas are posted on a white board. For example, in this case individual hi-tech jet packs or “Marty McFly” skateboards might reduce commute time and aid the environment. Ultimately, one idea is chosen and the group then develops a physical prototype (think Play-Doh and pipe cleaners) of their solution, to learn and prove how and why it is the best. Each class is intentionally made up of groups of Googlers from varying parts of the company—for example, engineering, global business, or project management—to encourage the groups to collaborate and learn from each other’s experience.
CSI:Lab brainstorm session. The prompt: Re-imagine advertising.
Googlers developing their solution’s prototype to the challenge:
What is the learning space of the future?
Since April 2010, I’ve been humbled to run the Lab in 37 Google ******s worldwide, and about 9,000 Googlers have participated. Today, we have more than 50 Googlers who act as ambassadors for the Lab, designing and facilitating more Labs as part of the g2g program. From New York to Tokyo to Sao Paulo, the different people and cultures of each lab offer a new perspective. And
CSI:Lab inspires Googlers long after the sessions are over. One Googler told me that after the Lab, he used his experience to develop a prototype for a solution to one of his team’s issues. He described how good it felt to take a risk to reach a solution, and ultimately he convinced a team of other Googlers to work with him to refine and implement his idea. Ultimately, seeing these ideas absorbed by participants and put to use within the company is what
CSI:Lab is all about.
Take a peek at five tips to help you embrace the
CSI:Lab spirit and add more
creativity and in**vation to your everyday life—whether it be at home or at the ******!
- K**w and own what inspires you. Understand where your inspiration comes from and do it 10x more than you do **w. For example, if your inspiration comes from museums, then go to museums 10x more often; if your inspiration comes from people, talk to 10 new people each week.
- Think like a child. Be open and question everything around you. Try **t to pre-judge thoughts or ideas; develop them.
- Dive into something new. Involve yourself in areas at work where you’re unfamiliar with the content and want to learn more. People are generally happy to share their k**wledge and you can often teach them something too just by bringing a fresh perspective to their work.
- Play with fun and unusual materials when developing an idea. We all constantly use our computers and paper and pen, so think outside the box to get your mind flowing. Want to “prototype” a solution you’ve thought of? Grab some pipe cleaners, construction paper, LEGO figures, feathers...you name it! See how the materials inspire you.
- Invest in your physical space. Having a supportive environment can make a big difference, so learn how what types of space inspire creativity. To create a more open, playful environment, try a flexible workplace with ** ******s. Or, help ideas flow more freely by making lots of whiteboard space easily accessible. For example, at Google’s Mountain View campus, we’ve created our own in**vation space, called “The Garage” (a **d to the iconic Silicon Valley workspace). “The Garage” is big e**ugh for 170 Googlers to use the area to create, collaborate and experiment.
A snapshot of the Garage
Posted by Frederik G. Pferdt, Global Program Manager for In**vation & Creativity
Unleashing creativity in GoogleMs CSI:Lab