It’s easy to know if we made it in school. Our report cards have A’s, B’s, C’s on them. Problem is: it gets thorny outside of school where standards (e.g. 90 marks = A) become somewhat fuzzy and arbitrary.
That includes the Create2011 Engineering Challenge.
We’re looking for “a brilliant idea related to the theme of Future Mobility, one which can improve the way we play, think, live and connect.”
But how do we know if our ideas are “brilliant”?
The judges will tell us…if we make it to the finals. But we’ll need some way of deciding before then; to see if we’re “on track” or not.
So for this instalment of the Create2011 Help Files, the Creators of Tomorrow tell us what they think makes a brilliant idea.
Note: These are some ways to help you judge if your ideas are good. Tell us what you think about them in the comments…
Does It Fit the Theme?
“You're looking for something that fits the theme of Future Mobility – that would make a positive impact if it was implemented, and has some practical thinking behind it.
“We're just looking for the idea, so you don't need to work out every single detail. But you should think about some of the main technical challenges involved in making your idea work.”
Andrew McGlinchey, Google (interview)
Application to Real Life
“A good idea has to be applicable to real life. It should bring improvement or add value to what we have now.”
Susan Chong, Greenpac
Why? Keep it real so that anyone can see the value of your idea. For example, Japan’s Bullet Train drastically reduced transportation time for commuters from the city to outlying areas. “The conventional Limited Express service took six hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo to Osaka, but the Shinkansen made the trip in just four hours, shortened to three hours and ten minutes by 1965.” (from Wikipedia)
Get Advice from Your Peers
“Present your ideas to your friends, classmates and parents. Ask them: ‘what do you think of it?’.”
Justin Chiam, SIA Engineering (interview)
Why? It’s all about the second opinion. Outsiders might see how your Create2011 project can be improved. Alternatively you could post your questions on Engineering Forums to get people’s viewpoints. Look at this Eng-Tips Forum thread on Flash-Over In Drive – note how the folk in the forum offer solutions and ideas to help each other out.
Reflect on It
“Firstly, how do you feel about your idea? Good? Ask yourself why you think it is good. Then talk to your team mates and your friends, do they think it is good too? Ask them why too. How do their reasons compare against your reasons?
If your idea gets you excited and motivated, and you say to yourself: ‘Oh my goodness, I really have to stop everything else and do this RIGHT NOW!’ then it's good. If your idea affects your friends in the same way, it's good too.”
Jason Chionh, LucasFilm
Why? Ultimately it’s your idea. It’s all about you. Perhaps your reasons and self-belief are stronger than your peers’ objections. After all history is littered with folk who bucked then-current trends to become successful. Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, anyone?
Take the Create2011 engineering challenge and tell us your vision of Future Mobility to win the grand prize of: A Nokia Experiential Journey in Beijing and Singapore! Check out our Facebook fanpage for exciting contests & giveaways!
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