Embracing Innovation

By Alisha Gandhi

The Innovation Academy has pushed me to exceed my own expectations and take on challenges I never thought possible. Through the program, I’ve gained various new skills and learned strategies that allow me to view everyday tasks and problem-solving in a completely different way. When I was applying to schools, the Innovation Academy stood out to me because it provided me with a unique opportunity to work in small, multidisciplinary teams and use my creativity to solve real-world problems. The program aligned perfectly with my interests in hands-on innovation and collaboration. From the very first class, I was hooked. The chance to work with tools like Fusion 360, Arduino, and Adobe Illustrator was thrilling. These hands-on tools not only sparked my creativity but helped bring my ideas to life in ways I had never imagined before. IDS 1940 Creativity & Design Thinking for Innovation quickly became my favorite class, and I enjoyed the freedom to create within the boundaries of the challenges we were given. I learned that working within boundaries, whether time limits, project goals, or specific materials can actually fuel creativity. Constraints forced me to think outside the box and push my ideas further.

One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is design thinking. The Innovation Academy taught me how to break down complex problems by first focusing on the needs of the user. By empathizing with the end user and using iterative design, I learned how to create more impactful solutions. This approach has been critical not only in class projects but in my other classes and even in my most recent internship with Visualist. I’ve also become an advocate for rapid prototyping, building models quickly, testing them, and refining ideas based on feedback. This “fail fast” mindset has encouraged experimentation and reduced the amount of time I spend on ideas that aren’t working.

The biggest piece of advice I have for others is to step outside of your comfort zone. Working in a multidisciplinary group exposes you to different perspectives, allowing you to tackle problems from angles you might never have considered. The diversity of thought truly drives creativity and helps you develop solutions you couldn’t have imagined on your own. I’ve realized that no idea is ever a bad idea. In fact, it’s often the craziest or most mundane ideas that spark the best breakthroughs. The ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds has also improved my cross-disciplinary communication skills.

One of my favorite experiences was the five-week design sprint where we focused on creating a benefits program for Citi Tampa to enhance both physical and social wellness among employees. I truly enjoyed this project because I was able to put all of my skills to use. At first, our team struggled with the prompt. We got stuck thinking about what benefits Citi already offered and what other companies had. Our breakthrough came when we shifted focus from what was available to what employees actually wanted, and how we could meet those needs. This was when everything started to click, and we had our most productive brainstorming session. From there, we were able to develop an AI-based schedule-matching system that would encourage employees to meet new people, fostering both social and physical wellness in the workplace. This project allowed me to apply everything I had learned in the Innovation Academy, from design thinking and rapid prototyping to user-centered design.

The skills I’ve gained from the Innovation Academy have been invaluable. I’ve applied them in other classes, activities, and internships, and I continue to see how they help me approach problems with a fresh perspective. Whether it’s managing time under pressure, leading a team, or developing a prototype, I know that the skills I’ve honed in IA will help me succeed in any future career. Overall, the program has taught me to stay open-minded, push myself beyond my comfort zone, and embrace the collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that leads to true innovation.