Networks, Hunches, and the Adjacent Possible: The Crossroads of Art and Engineering

At first glance, art and engineering seem like opposites—art is typically associated with creativity and expression, while engineering is linked to logic and problem-solving. However, the processes that drive innovation in both fields share strong similarities. Artistic breakthroughs, particularly in media like painting, film, music and digital art, have long been influenced by technological advances. For example, the advent of photography not only opened a new means of artistic expression, it led to striking new forms of painting as artists moved away from lifelike representations to more abstract ones. Steven Johnson’s "Where Good Ideas Come From" highlights the key themes behind innovation, showing how both art and engineering thrive on creativity, collaboration, and the evolution of ideas.

The Adjacent Possible: Building on What Exists

Johnson’s concept of the "adjacent possible" explains how innovation builds incrementally on existing ideas and technologies. This concept is deeply relevant to both art and engineering. In art, each new movement, from Impressionism to digital art, emerges from the tools and ideas that came before, expanding the boundaries of what’s possible. In engineering, innovations often come from reconfiguring or repurposing existing technologies to create something new.

The adjacent possible shows that creativity doesn’t happen in leaps but through small steps that expand the realm of possibilities. Both artists and engineers continually push those boundaries by building on what already exists.

Collaboration and Networks: The Power of Ideas Coming Together

One of Johnson’s core ideas is "liquid networks," environments where diverse ideas can intermingle and evolve. This concept is crucial in both art and engineering. Artists often draw from their peers, critics, or technological innovations, while engineers work across disciplines to solve complex problems.

In both fields, creativity often emerges not from isolated genius, but from shared networks where ideas can build on each other. These environments foster new perspectives and accelerate innovation, showing the power of collaboration.

The Slow Hunch: Allowing Time for Ideas to Mature

Johnson’s concept of the "slow hunch" is another key parallel between art and engineering. Both fields require time for ideas to grow and evolve. Artists may spend years refining a concept or exploring new techniques, while engineers develop solutions through multiple prototypes and iterations.

The process of nurturing an idea over time, letting it connect with others and mature, is essential for breakthroughs. Both artists and engineers need patience and persistence to let these hunches grow into something transformative.

Embracing Serendipity and Error

Serendipity—unexpected discoveries—plays a central role in creativity across disciplines. Johnson points out that many breakthroughs happen by accident, when unrelated ideas collide or errors lead to new insights. In both art and engineering, these happy accidents often trigger unexpected innovations.

Artists sometimes find inspiration in unintended brushstrokes or surprising color combinations, while engineers have made major discoveries through mistakes. For example, the discovery of penicillin was a serendipitous error in scientific research. Embracing the unknown and allowing for mistakes (that is, taking risks) is key to fostering creativity in any field.

Platforms for Innovation

Johnson also emphasizes the importance of platforms—open systems where ideas can build upon one another. In art, platforms might be movements or new media, where artists share and evolve techniques. In engineering, platforms could be shared tools like software or research infrastructures that allow for faster iteration and collaboration.

Platforms in both fields enable innovation by providing the foundation for new ideas to emerge. Whether in the form of a new painting style or a new technology, platforms create environments that accelerate the creative process.

Parallels in Petroleum Engineering

The creative processes described by Johnson are also evident in fields like petroleum engineering, particularly during the shale revolution. The technological breakthroughs of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling didn’t happen in isolation—they developed gradually through decades of experimentation, collaboration, and repurposing existing technologies. These innovations expanded the adjacent possible in energy production, showing how small steps can lead to revolutionary changes.

Like artists, petroleum engineers often rely on networks, platforms, and trial-and-error to achieve breakthroughs. The next leap in energy production, much like the shale revolution, will likely depend on the same principles of collaboration, iteration, and building on the adjacent possible.