How to Take Your Curiosity from What? to Wow!

Curiosity isn't just an emotion; it's the compass that guides us through the the unknown of learning, innovation, and discovery.

What? to Wow! is a Curiosity-Based Thinking framework that takes you on transformative journeys where every question you have is another step closer you take towards unveiling the extraordinary in the ordinary.

What? to Wow! simply makes the complex simple.

How to What? to Wow!:

Whether making a statement or asking a question, each response should be expressed in a single sentence.

• What: Begin by identifying your subject of interest. Whether it's the mechanics of a smartphone or the lifecycle of a butterfly, start here.
• Who: Who interacts with or is affected by this subject? This could range from users of technology to ecosystems affected by a species.
• When: Contextualize the timing. When did this become significant? Is there a historical or future relevance?
• Where: Locate where this subject has the most impact or origin. Geography often adds depth to understanding.
• How: Delve into the mechanics or process. How does it function or how did it evolve?
• Why: Explore the significance. Why does this matter in the grand scheme of things?
• Huh?: Acknowledge what's still unknown or confusing, prompting further investigation or innovation.
• Wow!: Here's where you find the awe-inspiring aspect, the surprising or innovative angle that makes your subject remarkable--and our world 100% more awesome.

For Example:

Let's say you're looking at a smartphone...

What: A smartphone.

Who: Everyone from teenagers to professionals.

When: Daily, in an era of constant connectivity.

Where: Globally, in urban and increasingly in rural areas.

How: Through touchscreens, apps, internet connectivity.

Why: To connect, work, play, learn, and more.

Huh?: How can it be made more sustainable?

Wow!: Its ability to put the world's knowledge in our pockets, changing how we interact with reality itself.

Now, with even the most basic What? to Wow! you can find a point to dive deeper into or points to combine, connect, or spring board your thinking.

Merging Curiosity with Creativity:

Jony Ive once highlighted the importance of curiosity in creation, suggesting that being open and inquisitive is foundational to innovation. Similarly, the What? to Wow! method encourages this openness:

• Start with 'What?': Like Ive's approach to design, begin with a simple curiosity. What's this gadget on my desk?
• Dive Deeper: Use the framework to peel back layers. Each question from "What" to "Wow" not only educates but also builds a narrative around your subject.
• The 'Wow!' Moment: This is where your exploration leads to innovation or a profound realization, akin to discovering that a common houseplant can change color to indicate water needs.

How to Implement What? to Wow! in Daily Life:

1. Morning Queries: Start your day with a What? to Wow! about anything you're curious about. If you giver yourself a one minute time limit to write each single sentence response, you can do a What? to Wow! in under 10 minutes. Your responses can be questions you want to learn about something or things you just learned.
2. Curiosity Breaks: Schedule short breaks to explore a random topic, issue, problem, question, or "what if...?" question as a group. Let serendipity guide you to unexpected "Wow!" moments.
3. Challenge Assumptions: Every week, pick one assumption you have and ask, "What if this wasn't true?" You'll be surprised how your curiosity can lead to groundbreaking personal insights or innovations.

The Benefits of This Approach:

• Enhanced Creativity: By routinely engaging with new ideas, your creative muscles are constantly flexed.
• Personal Growth: You'll find yourself learning continuously, pushing the boundaries of your knowledge and comfort zone.
• Problem Solving: This method trains you to approach problems from unique angles, often leading to more effective solutions.

The What? to Wow! Curiosity-Based Thinking framework is more than a tool; it's a lifestyle of inquiry that turns the mundane into the magnificent.

By merging this approach with daily life you not only enhance the ease of your understanding but contribute to a life full of continuous learning and awe.

I'm looking forward to spreading the curiosity with more Curiosity-Based Thinking like the What? to Wow! framework. So, appreciate you following along and spreading the curiosity, as well!

Enjoy and stay curious!

Matt