Many times, we believe that innovation is about creating something completely new, an epiphany reserved for only a few brilliant minds. But true innovation doesn’t lie only in creating something unprecedented; it comes from the ability to question what already exists and to seek more effective ways of doing it. Often, we are so focused on finding the perfect solution that we forget the first step: deeply understanding the problem.

True innovation begins with curiosity. Curiosity to question, to challenge the status quo, and to seek alternatives. It is this that allows us to view a problem from a new perspective and find solutions that truly make a difference.

This is where questions become crucial. Instead of seeking an immediate solution, we must first understand the context, the needs of the people involved, and the true causes of the challenge. The right questions open doors to valuable insights that guide us on the path to innovation.

Examples like Uber, Airbnb, and Tesla show that the most innovative solutions can arise from already known problems. It was the ability to question how these problems had been approached until then and to find new solutions to the age-old challenges. This happens because human needs remain the same over time, and technological evolution opens doors to a world of new possibilities.

The success of an innovation depends not only on a great idea or new technology but also on the timing and context in which it emerges. When we are attentive and well-informed, we are able to spot opportunities and place ourselves in a position of advantage.

When faced with a challenge, instead of rushing to find answers, stop and ask the right questions. What lies behind this need? Is there a market for it? What solutions already exist? Can we do better? Only then will we be able to create innovative and successful solutions.

Article by Joana Roquette, Product Designer at Bliss Applications, and Teresa Geraldo, Strategic Researcher at Bliss Applications.