Our aim at Live Innovation Lab is to push the boundaries of what people think innovation is. Our goal is to provide a platform where innovators can find the inspiration that will allow them to color outside the lines.
In our latest online lab, we explored the intersection of art and STEM to inspire innovation, and during the lab itself, we had to ask – should these lines even exist at all?
Our guest speaker, Dr. Kitty Yeung, shared how she has been exploring these questions throughout her career. She shared specific examples of how it is possible for a work of science to become a work of art, and vice-versa. She emphasized how, by pushing the boundaries in many fields and creative endeavours, it is possible to push forward meaningful innovation.
Check out the video of this lab to get more insights!
During the talk, we discussed the importance of finding meaning and purpose, as well as using our diversity of interests, hobbies, and abilities to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful future. Dr. Yeung walked us through how she uses Ikigai and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a compass to give meaning to her work and connect seemingly unconnected areas.
Are you curious about Ikigai? Then, keep reading until the end of the blog post!
As an example of this connection, we dived into the field of Quantum Computing. Dr. Yeung showcased her experience teaching the basics of Quantum Computing through the “The Quantum Computing Comics Notebook”, a perfect example of building bridges between seemingly unrelated topics.
Additionally, we heard the story of how she created her own fashion brand, “Art by Physicist®,” which produces tech-fashion products. The brand designs incorporate Dr. Yeung’s own paintings on fabrics, hardware, and electronics as well as technologies such as Machine Learning, brain signals controlled via Wi-Fi, and heart beating monitoring that are reflected in the fabric of the dresses with different patterns and colors. Other designs use fabric with embedded electronics that enable uploading GIFs or movies and Bluetooth connected brooches that detect each other’s distance.
Dr. Yeung pointed out what she has learned about pushing innovation in the traditional fashion industry as well as her actions geared at creating a platform for alternative design and manufacturing methods. Art by Physicist® uses technology for rapid prototyping, on-demand production, and open-source education. These technologies enable a reduction in fashion production time, especially during the first stages, if automated patron generation and rapid prototyping are incorporated. At the same time, personalization and on-demand production can reduce overproduction and pollution.
As a final thought, we discovered that when art and science mirror each other, their combined potential increases manifold. After all, the line we draw between fields is nothing but imaginary. Now more than ever, scientific experimentation, creative expression, and purpose must be combined in order to drive innovations that create a more sustainable future for all.
About the Speaker
Dr. Kitty Yeung, Sr. Program Manager at Microsoft Quantum Systems; Producer of MS Learn quantum modules; Creator of comic series Quantum Computing & some Physics – The Quantum Computing Comics Notebook; Lecturer at HackadayU and Microsoft Reactor on Introduction to Quantum Computing; Founder & Designer of sustainable and STEAM fashion brand, Art by Physicist; Creative Technologist & Lead of the Fashion Hack at Microsoft; Public Speaker on quantum computing and fashion tech. Harvard University 15′ Applied Physics; University of Cambridge 10′ Natural Sciences – Physical.
Learn more about Ikigai
We have prepared a template which explains the Ikigai concept and includes guiding questions to help you explore the intersection between your passion, mission, profession, and vocation. By answering them, you will be able to determine how aligned these 4 areas of your life there are.
Ikigai is a compass. By aligning your actions with your purpose you will be better able to navigate life ups- and -downs. As your career evolves and offers you more opportunities and challenges, Ikigai will steer you in the right direction. If you make time for exploring, creating, learning, and experimenting, you will gravitate towards work that you love doing and that the world needs.
The Ikigai is a hands-on tool that will help you find your purpose in life. Register to get the template.
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