Innovation and Creativity

Innovation and Creativity
in Computer Science/Software Engineering

Prof. David Bernstein
James Madison University

Computer Science Department

bernstdh@jmu.edu

Background

Innovation:
- A new and original idea, process, or product (that has some value)
Creativity:
- The ability to innovate

Creativity in Computer Science

Creativity in Computer Science (cont.)

Testing:
- Unit Test Suites
- System Testing (Including Security)
Deployment and Support:
- Deployment Mechanisms (e.g., app stores)
- Pricing Structures (e.g., free to try)
- Support (e.g., crowdsourcing)

Ways to be Creative

Nerd Humor - Moments of Inspiration

(Courtesy of xkcd)

Ways to be Creative in Computer Science

Evolving:
- "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." (Sir Isaac Newton)
Borrowing:
- From the natural world (e.g., the brain, genetics, ants)
- From other disciplines (e.g., annealing)
Observing:
- Unsatisfied needs
- Emerging technologies (e.g., quantum computers)

An Example

The Original Innovation:
- An algorithm for finding the shortest path on a network (Dijkstra's Algorithm)
An Evolutionary Innovation:
- Bounding the search space (The \(A^*\) Algorithm)
An Innovation Borrowed from the Natural World:
- An algorithm based on the behavior of ants
Innovating to Satisfy an Observed Need:
- An algorithm for finding alternative paths

Now It's Your Turn

Part 1:
- Design a p-creative (i.e., new to you) algorithm
Part 2:
- Design a creative product
Part 3:
- Operationalize a creative product design -- design the necessary algorithm

Now It's Your Turn (cont.)

Part 1: A p-Creative Algorithm

The Setting (Some Years Ago):
- You are designing and building the software for in-vehicle navigation systems
- You have been asked to develop a system that will run on smart phones
The Need:
- A faster way to re-calculate paths (i.e., when the driver goes off-route it takes too long for the system to re-calculate)

Now It's Your Turn (cont.)

Part 2: Design a Creative Product

The Setting:
- You are you
- It is now
Think About Any/All of the Following:
- What feature(s) do you wish in-vehicle navigation systems had but don't?
- What features exist in other products (e.g., jet planes, entertainment devices, home automation systems, social networking products, travel sites) that could be added to in-vehicle navigation systems?
- What new devices (e.g., transportation vehicles, computational devices, displays, sound systems) might be used with or have an influence on in-vehicle navigation systems?

Now It's Your Turn (cont.)

Part 3: Operationalize a Product Design

The Setting:
- You have several innovative product designs
- Some require an innovative path-finding algorithm
The Challenge:
- Design an innovative path-finding algorithm