When we are travelling for the first time in a foreign location, time seems to slow down, and we get to absorb all the juicy details.
There is no little thing which escapes us:
how the air is different
what clothes people are wearing
how the food tastes
how people greet one another
how clean (or dirty) things are
what people listen to
how people drive
how people eat
how the architecture is different
Isn’t it interesting that we are suddenly ultra-aware of the things around us. We find our heads and eyes ever-circling and observing, trying to take all the detail in. We look at the world with wonder. We figuratively (and depending where, sometimes literally) stop and smell the roses.
Contrast that to being in a place which is very familiar to us. In very familiar places, we can walk with our heads down and get to our destination. We can even drive very familiar routes almost unconsciously. We take things for granted and miss details. There is no wonder.
We miss opportunities. Sometimes right under our noses.
ALWAYS observe like a tourist. Look at the world with wonder, even when in the familiar.
You’ll be surprised at how many new ideas you can come up with.
Do what you love! IDEO
Keep the inspiration coming!