Creativity and the power of Retro

The next big thing doesn’t always have to be new. Some of the best ideas come from looking back.

I love retro—classic clothes, vintage cars, and the charm of what many call “simpler times.” There’s a reason these things feel magical. They’re not just nostalgic; they’re genuinely good!

But retro isn’t just about style or sentiment.

What really draws me to it is simplicity. Retro has endured because it has already been filtered by time—what remains are the practical, effective, well-designed essentials that just work.

We’re often caught up chasing the “new,” but as we all know new isn’t always better, and often, it’s not even necessary. Yes, new can be shiny and exciting, but rediscovering something old, something tried-and-true, can feel just as fresh.

At 60, maybe people would consider me a bit “retro” myself! And I think that’s part of why I love it. But honestly, it’s something I’ve always appreciated. My favourite car, for instance, was my old London Taxi, the classic black LTI cab. During the week, it took me around the North Circular to our London office, and on weekends, it was the family shuttle to Rugby, Hockey, Cubs, and Riding Lessons.

The Black Cab was the SUV before its time—practical, spacious, and designed with a purpose. It did the job perfectly (and the cab’s turning circle was far superior!).

Imagine:

? Taking the best from the past,

? Blending it with today’s advancements,

? And creating solutions that build on the shoulders of giants!

The result? Creative, innovative solutions.

At work, this retro approach has its place. Ask yourself: What do we already know works? How can we adapt it for the present?

That’s the retro mindset, and it’s powerful because:

1. Timeless values lead to lasting impact Retro isn’t just about aesthetics. It can include timeless values like respect, reliability, and care—values that built successful organisations in the past and still matter today. People don’t change, even if the world does. Just as the need to deliver to time, cost, and quality will always be there.
2. Simplified solutions reduce complexity As businesses grow more complex, simplicity becomes a strength. Retro thinking takes us back to basics, where simple solutions often mean scalable ones. With AI and new technologies, we can add endless complexity—but do we need it? Instead, the solution should be easy and simple to explain and solve a real problem.
3. Retro ideas pass the test of time Many retro items remain today because they work. They’re not just “vintage”; they’re proven designs, ideas, and processes. They survived for a reason.
4. Blending the past with today’s insights Mixing retro with modern technology allows us to streamline, automate, and scale effectively. Familiar designs make outputs more accessible and intuitive. Retro alone isn’t enough; we need “retro-plus” (unless we’re talking about a Bic pen—it’s perfect as is!).
5. Speed through familiar ground Using existing methods means faster testing and application. Familiarity speeds up adoption and brings services to market sooner.

Applying the “Retro Way”

• Tried and tested: Proven principles have a place in every industry. Knowing what doesn’t change can guide us as we explore what might.
• Valuing simplicity: Retro thinking reminds us that effective doesn’t mean complicated. Sometimes the simplest tools, like a broom or a hammer, work best.
• Prioritising quality over quantity: What’s good and reliable usually has staying power. Improving old designs with new materials is incremental improvement at its finest.

Blending retro and modern isn’t about resisting change; it’s about taking the best and leaving the rest. Start reimagining creativity through a retro lens. Sometimes, the best way forward is to look back, as history often repeats itself, both the good and the bad. What worked in the past may just work again.

??CTA: Take a look at a current problem, challenge, or opportunity. Ask: Is there an old ‘retro’ element that could help solve it today?