You describe yourself as an anthropologist working the context of innovation. Describe the links between the two fields.
At the highest level, both Anthropology and innovation involve an innate sense of curiosity that allows us to question assumptions and see things in a new light. They involve similar ways of thinking, questioning and imagining.
The two areas intersect and work together in a couple of different ways. Anthropology can drive and elevate innovation by involving human-centric design, which provides a deep understanding of the needs, beliefs and behaviours of the people you are designing for. It’s important to ensure that what you are imagining or creating doesn’t just solve a business problem — it must also solve a human problem and be designed for the needs of the people you are serving.
Anthropology changes the kinds of questions innovators ask. Whereas typically we might ask, ‘How do you like your steak?’ and ‘Would you prefer a baked potato or a salad with that?’, when we bring in Anthropology — — we’re asking things like, ‘Why do you eat?’ and ‘What does food mean to you?’
