In our quest for innovation, we often find ourselves staring at the same walls, circling familiar territory in search of breakthrough ideas. Yet, some of the most transformative solutions come not from diving deeper into our own domains, but from looking sideways borrowing concepts from seemingly unrelated fields and adapting them to solve our challenges in unexpected ways.
This process, known as lateral inspiration, has quietly shaped some of the most impactful innovations around us. When we examine these success stories, a powerful pattern emerges that offers valuable lessons for all of us seeking fresh approaches to persistent problems.
