The Medici Effect
by Frans Johansson · first published 2004
6mentions
5recommended by
6HN commenters
2007–2020first – last mentioned
83% recommend17% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Argues that innovation often comes from ideas crossing between disciplines, with newcomers spotting connections experts miss. Readers value its ideas on brainstorming and fresh thinking for creative teams.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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The Medici Effect by Frans Johansson has some good studies on brainstorming in groups. He cites studies that say that the #1 barrier to innovation in brainstorming is 'blocking'. Blocking occurs when one person interrupts…
on “How do you brainstorm for ideas for products?” ↗Many significant advancements came when someone who knew about one thing learned about a second and realized that the first applied to the second. This is the premise to the book "The Medici Effect" by Frans Johansson, which states that innovation is found in the intersections between disciplines. It's a good read.
on “The Generalist's Dilemma” ↗…https://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2007/07/car... I love this one. Also a book that pretty much centers around the same point. I think the book itself is a great read. And I recommend it. https://www.amazon.com/Medici-Effect-Elephants-Epidemics-Inn... And then there is a quote by Robert Anson Heinlein, if you want to take it to heart and live on other extreme. By no means it is a career advice but surely an interesting take.…
on “Circle of Competence: Avoid Ambiguity Traps” ↗2. Be first in some area - there's always a "blue ocean" where you can innovate - read up on The Intersection (The Medici Effect)
on “Part-time apps developers getting rich” ↗…breakthroughs/innovations are from new entrants to a field# ie those who aren't experts in the new field. (Of course this may not apply to science as much as another field, but it's worth pondering regardless) #See "The Medici Effect"
on “Why There Will Never be Another Da Vinci” ↗Dan Ariely (behavioural economics) Frans Johansson (author of The Medici Effect)
on “Ask HN: You can get a recommended book list from any businessperson, who is it?” ↗