Rapid Prototyping paves the way for Innovation in Business and Education

It was right around 7:30 pm on March 23rd of this year. I was in La Salle University's Business Building late, against the usual, when it hit me. Now, everyone has their own stroke of genius, and sometime it really is, and sometimes it makes absolutely zero sense. This is the story of how my believed "stroke of genius" came to light.

I was less than two weeks off of the amazing Silicon Valley Meet-up we had for the University Innovation Fellows. Four of my closest friends and some of the people I respected the most in life and I, had the incredible opportunity to travel from Philadelphia to Palo Alto, CA. I would say this was a once in a life time opportunity, but seeing as how two of the members in our party have been going there for the last three years, I think that statement doesn't hold true. I will say this, every time you go, it is a life changing experience. The high energy environment, filled with nearly 400 of the brightest minds of this generations, and all the faculty and support that make it happen, really encompasses the Innovation and Entrepreneurship spirit. Having hosted a Regional meet-up three weeks before, I thought I know what to expect. You can see here the amazing opportunities that are provided though a regional Meet-up: https://www.flickr.com/photos/uifellows/albums/72157678097646693. I had expected that we would take van shuttles everywhere we went, eat bagels each morning and follow up the night with a short debrief, similar to what we had done. Yes, we did have bagels, but I have never been so proud to say I was so wrong in my expectation.

This Meet-up was an innovators wonderland. We had the chance learn from some of the brightest minds in the world, from the amazing women that lead UIF, to the Chief Innovation Evangelist of Google, to one of the VP's of Microsoft. The best part, for me, was that even though my jaw spent most of the week on the floor, every day seemed to add on to the value from the day before. These pictures don't do it justice, but showcase a bit of what we experienced: https://www.flickr.com/photos/uifellows/albums/72157681697663515. My fondest memory of the trip was during our first day at the Stanford University Hasso Platner School of Design- 'the d.school.' We had just gotten one of the best panels I had ever seen, comprised of Errol Arkilic, Tom Kalil and Steve Blank. Each one of these people had a different message for us, but it was orchestrated so beautifully that it seemed as though they had just given us the key to success for the rest of our lives. After they spoke with us, we received an in depth tour of the d.school and I noticed a wall, filled with everything you could ever need to Rapid Prototype. It hadn't yet hit me, but that one visual (shown below) changed my life.

You might be asking yourself how "a few colorful pads of paper, saws and hammers" could change someones life. It is a valid question! However, the beauty of each instrument in this picture is what drew me in. This is the moment I believe I found my purpose in life.

Fast forwarding to about three weeks ago, I moved to Miami to start a company, Prototopics LLC. The company is positioned as one of the first, if not the first, of its kind and is ready to kick off what is about to be an exciting time in education. At Prototopics we realize the major disconnect between the workforce and education system. Innovation has become an industry buzzword and we are finally dealing with this head on. Through using a personalized, hand-on learning approach, we are teaching the students in primary school all the way through company executives how to integrate innovation into what they are doing, whether it be schooling or work, and encourage everyone to continue learning. In essence, we are helping both the workforce and education system identify missed opportunities for innovation and provide them the insight and training on how to create the most effective solutions. I wish I was fortunate enough to have learned these things when I was in school, but now we are showing the next generation of students and business leaders what innovation is all about, As well as making up for lost time for those already in the workforce.

On top of having a ton of fun with the system, seeing that "click" when a student finally understands the solution to the problem they have been dealing with, or a business man is finally able to get over the hurdle they have been stuck on for a while, makes all the difference. We are in a time where problem-solving is more important than ever and unfortunately, our critical thinking skills have greatly decreased. The education system we all went through, and our kids are going through now, is training students to be employees, not entrepreneurs, thinkers or doers. That is all about to change! We need to fail a couple time, scrap up our elbows and learn, and that is the beauty of prototyping. Build once, get feedback and improve. Nothing is ever done, and everything can always be made better.

This weekend will be our first Miami based workshop. No prior experience required, but you can expect to walk out with a thorough understand in design thinking, effective brainstorm, prototyping and surveying. The workshop will be at 219 NW 20th st. Suite 104 and cost $20/ person. The only requirement is that you come with an open mind and willingness to learn! The price will stand at $20/ person for the summer while we build the company, but it isn't going to stay this price for long so request your workshop here, today! Invite your friends, family and colleagues that will be in the Miami area this Saturday and keep on the look out for Prototopics to host a workshop near you. Keep up to date with the latest for Prototopics on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn!

I want to leave you all with one final thought. What if everyone lived by the same philosophy? What is everyone lived with the understanding that each day is a prototype for the next? I heard a quote while talking to a good friend this past week and it really sums up this thought. "I want to be right the first time, but I'm happy to be wrong. There will always be another chance for me to be right later." - Jonathan Puhl, C3Innovators

Have a great day, and God Bless.

Isaac Prentice- Prototopics CEO- [email protected]

*Prototopics LLC is not affiliated with Stanford University, and all views, opinions, and stories are my own.