When we see these words, many of us will think “nothing”.
We think of our work, our title doesn’t say “designer”.
We aren’t on the “innovation team”.
Or in the “creative department”.
These are signals to our brain that we don’t create, design, or innovate.
This is simply not true. We each do all these things.
We may be at different skill levels in each area.
We may have a unique area where we excel, but we all have all the capabilities within us.
So, what’s the difference between innovation, design, and creativity?
Creativity: The ability to use our imagination and original ideas to create something new. This could be an object, a solution, or way of thinking. Bringing something imaginative into existence.
Design: A plan for arranging elements in a way to best accomplish a particular purpose. The design considers the context, audience, and other factors.
Innovation: The process of creating and implementing new ideas, methods, or products that offer value or solve problems. This includes both the generation of ideas and their implementation.
Below are three steps to discover your Creativity, Design & Innovation Formula.
Step 1 – Find Your Playground
Where do you naturally apply imagination, planning, and problem-solving?
Where do your skills come alive?
Consider these categories:
- Visual – layouts, graphics, photography, environments, visual storytelling
- Verbal – messaging, writing, teaching, public speaking, scripting
- Relational – building teams, shaping culture, connecting people, collaboration
- Analytical – patterns, data, processes, systems, problem analysis
- Experiential – events, customer journeys, workshops, immersive experiences
- Product/Technical – tools, prototypes, systems, coding, engineering
- Physical/Kinesthetic – movement, sports, dance, craftsmanship, hands-on work
- Strategic/Conceptual – frameworks, planning, mapping, vision setting
- Emotional/Intuitive – sensing needs, empathy, brand voice, emotional design
- Musical/Audio – composition, sound design, voice work, rhythm-based expression
Pick the one or two that feel most like “home base” for your skills.
Step 2 – Rate Your Skills in That Context
On a scale of 1–10, how strong are you in each area when working in your playground?
- Creativity – generating fresh ideas
- Design – shaping those ideas into workable plans
- Innovation – making those ideas real and valuable
Step 3 – Name Your Formula
Combine your strengths and your playground into a phrase you can remember.
Like “The Relational Innovator” or “The Analytical Designer.”
Your Turn
Do you see creativity, design, and innovation in your life?
What area(s) is/are your personal playground?
What name did you come up with for your special sauce?