Abstract:

Introduction:
We are immersed in a culture of “research-making” (1) in which text and image combine to envision and create experiences and meanings. Our purpose is to theorize innovative models that are significant for anyone seeking to contextualize, navigate, and transform increasingly complex cultures, structures and networks. Our paper presents a “robust” user-centered research process, and the reader is introduced to various research methods, including reflexive techniques, observation methodologies and interpretation of findings. We present an algorithm of ten sequential steps, a dialogic process (2) that unfolded among us, through which ‘innovation and creativity’ in research were coaxed, rendered, and challenged, leading to heightened expressions and new ways of thinking. Structuring, sorting, selecting, restructuring, felt-experiencing, perceptual shifts, juxtapositions, comparing and contrasting, changing metaphors, realizations and insights, all play into the meaningful development of creativity and innovation. The paper explores the question of our creativity as researchers through the methods of participant-observation, symbolic interactionism and social reflexivity. We nurtured a “research practice” from initial spark to finished outcome. In our in-depth accounts, you will discover methods and tools that will generate your own “research-making.” Finally, the paper concludes with a video documentary where we are reflecting upon our creative processes in a conversational mode. Please see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3yPG7Yj0c&t=31s

Research question:
How are we as individuals, and as a group, constructing text and images that are creative and innovative? How are we creating original and innovative thought? Our premise is that “research-making” is to make something to know something. In other words, the research process equals wanting to know something you don’t know (3). Our research process focuses on concepts and artifacts, and, rather than solving problems, our process raises questions and opens issues for discussion. Our research is a discursive practice, based on critical thinking and dialogue. The paper will present an example of “research-making” as a signifying practice that generates, analyses, mediates, and produces social meaning, especially in the context of networking and social media.

Creativity/Innovation:
Creativity, quite simply is the behavior that animates the innovative process. With awareness of an “antenarrative” (4), we start by selecting a structure of words, a syntax, a sentence, to enter the unknown. From this starting point, we take one step (one word) forth into the unknown; check this word out in all its manifestations through self-reflection, and then, step back and “look” at what we got, and then, we select a course of action (which is to substitute the word). This sequence when repeated is a proven method (5) for navigating in an uncertain world.

Outcomes:
We juxtaposed perceptual categories and created dichotomies that we imagined would serve our purpose. We created new structures from our dichotomies and, interpreted felt-experiences anew to reflect our structures.

Keywords:

Creative Behavior, Innovative Process, Doing Research, Cultivating Opportunities, Entering The Unknown.