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Insight Out: Get Ideas Out of Your Head and Into the World – A Stanford Expert's Guide to Unleashing Creativity and Entrepreneurial Innovation
In this revolutionary guide, Stanford University Professor and international bestselling author of inGenius adopts her popular course material to teach everyone how to make imaginative ideas a reality.
As a leading expert on creativity, Tina Seelig has continually explored what we can each do to unleash our entrepreneurial spirit. In Insight Out, she offers us the tools to make our ideas a reality. She clearly defines the concepts of imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurism, showing how they affect each other and how we can unlock the pathway from imagination to implementation, where our ideas then gain the power to inspire the imaginations of others.
Drawing on more than a decade of experience as a professor at the Stanford University School of Engineering, Seelig shows readers how to work through the steps of imagination, ideation, innovation, and implementation, using each step to build upon the last, to ultimately create something complex, interesting, and powerful. Coping with today’s constant change, everyone needs these skills to conquer challenges and seize the opportunities that arise. Seelig irrefutably demonstrates that these skills can be taught, and shows us how to mobilize our own energy and bring new ideas to life.
As a leading expert on creativity, Tina Seelig has continually explored what we can each do to unleash our entrepreneurial spirit. In Insight Out, she offers us the tools to make our ideas a reality. She clearly defines the concepts of imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurism, showing how they affect each other and how we can unlock the pathway from imagination to implementation, where our ideas then gain the power to inspire the imaginations of others.
Drawing on more than a decade of experience as a professor at the Stanford University School of Engineering, Seelig shows readers how to work through the steps of imagination, ideation, innovation, and implementation, using each step to build upon the last, to ultimately create something complex, interesting, and powerful. Coping with today’s constant change, everyone needs these skills to conquer challenges and seize the opportunities that arise. Seelig irrefutably demonstrates that these skills can be taught, and shows us how to mobilize our own energy and bring new ideas to life.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
125 people are currently reading
1429 people want to read
About the author
Tina Seelig
11 books246 followersTina Seelig is the executive director for the Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP), the entrepreneurship center at Stanford University's School of Engineering. STVP is dedicated to accelerating high-technology entrepreneurship education and creating scholarly research on technology-based firms. STVP provides students from all majors with the entrepreneurial skills needed to use innovations to solve major world problems.
Seelig teaches courses on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the department of Management Science and Engineering, and within the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford. Tina was recently awarded the 2009 Gordon Prize from the National Academy of Engineering, recognizing her as a national leader in engineering educational. She also received the 2008 National Olympus Innovation Award, and the 2005 Stanford Tau Beta Pi Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. In 2004, STVP was named the NASDAQ Entrepreneurship Center of the Year.
Seelig earned her PhD in 1985 from Stanford University Medical School, where she studied neuroscience. She has worked as a management consultant for Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, as a multimedia producer at Compaq Computer Corporation, and was the founder a multimedia company called BookBrowser.
Seelig has also written 15 popular science books and educational games. Her books include The Epicurean Laboratory and Incredible Edible Science, published by Scientific American; and a series of 12 games called Games for Your Brain, published by Chronicle Books. Her newest book is titled What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20.
Seelig teaches courses on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the department of Management Science and Engineering, and within the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford. Tina was recently awarded the 2009 Gordon Prize from the National Academy of Engineering, recognizing her as a national leader in engineering educational. She also received the 2008 National Olympus Innovation Award, and the 2005 Stanford Tau Beta Pi Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. In 2004, STVP was named the NASDAQ Entrepreneurship Center of the Year.
Seelig earned her PhD in 1985 from Stanford University Medical School, where she studied neuroscience. She has worked as a management consultant for Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, as a multimedia producer at Compaq Computer Corporation, and was the founder a multimedia company called BookBrowser.
Seelig has also written 15 popular science books and educational games. Her books include The Epicurean Laboratory and Incredible Edible Science, published by Scientific American; and a series of 12 games called Games for Your Brain, published by Chronicle Books. Her newest book is titled What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 25, 2015
While there is a different narrator to the audiobook than the author, I still found myself wishing I had a teacher like Tina Seelig back in college. There is nothing groundbreaking here you wouldn't find in books by IDEO's Kelly brothers or Chip & Dan Heath, but what you will find is a concise exploration of the Invention Cycle and its steps: Imagination, Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. The best bits were the author's own stories of struggles with her endeavors in the private sector and academia that illustrated poignantly the points of each section.
I wasn't blown away, but I definitely want to check out some of her other books!
I wasn't blown away, but I definitely want to check out some of her other books!
September 19, 2020
I bought this book after having read a review for it, likely in the WSJ. Having more of the mathematical brain, I look for every opportunity to learn about creativity that I can. This book serves that purpose well, primarily through the lens of entrepreneurship, but the framework of the innovation cycle could be used for almost any goal.
With many business books, the ideas are usually quite simple, and the book just provides many case studies about this simple fact. Don't get me wrong - most of these books are successful because their prime audience is people who are pretty good about overcomplicating things. I am a prime member of this group. Creativity books are fairly similar. There's really only two creativity exercises - come up with incredulous solutions without regard to constraints, and figure out which, of those, you could use by re-framing the problem, or adjusting the constraints, and create super restrictive constraints, and solve the problem in that narrow space. Seelig focuses more on the first in this book, but where the value is especially added is in the fact that the book, and its framework, The Innovation Cycle, gives you many tools (and exercises!) to turn this practice into a productive exercise, and move from a thought-exercise activity to fungible goals.
With many business books, the ideas are usually quite simple, and the book just provides many case studies about this simple fact. Don't get me wrong - most of these books are successful because their prime audience is people who are pretty good about overcomplicating things. I am a prime member of this group. Creativity books are fairly similar. There's really only two creativity exercises - come up with incredulous solutions without regard to constraints, and figure out which, of those, you could use by re-framing the problem, or adjusting the constraints, and create super restrictive constraints, and solve the problem in that narrow space. Seelig focuses more on the first in this book, but where the value is especially added is in the fact that the book, and its framework, The Innovation Cycle, gives you many tools (and exercises!) to turn this practice into a productive exercise, and move from a thought-exercise activity to fungible goals.
February 24, 2025
I am an honors student at the University of Twente enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Business Development track and was recommended to read Tina Seelig’s Insight Out: Get Ideas Out of Your Head and Into the World.
I have found that Insight Out provides us with a clear and practical breakdown of how to turn ideas into reality. This is introduced through her Invention Cycle, a four-phase process which guides readers from imagination to entrepreneurship. A key takeaway is that creativity is not a talent but a skill that can be developed. This concept is built upon throughout the book, whilst being reinforced by the small exercises at the end of each chapter, which encourage readers to apply what they’ve learned and experience the effects firsthand. These exercises make the concepts actionable and help solidify the lessons in a meaningful way.
Seelig also shows how passion and the ability to inspire others are key to success, using relatable examples like Richard Branson’s entrepreneurial journey and the viral impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge, to illustrate her points. These stories bring the concepts to life, demonstrating the power of persistence, collaboration, and thinking outside the box.
The book’s straightforward and engaging language makes it easy to understand and apply. Seelig’s ability to break down complex ideas into simple, actionable steps is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Personally, I would have enjoyed the book more if it delved deeper into the psychology behind why the Invention Cycle works. Understanding the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that drive creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship could have added another layer of depth and insight.
Overall, Insight Out is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone looking to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative thinker, or simply someone with a vision, this book provides the tools and motivation to turn your dreams into reality.
I have found that Insight Out provides us with a clear and practical breakdown of how to turn ideas into reality. This is introduced through her Invention Cycle, a four-phase process which guides readers from imagination to entrepreneurship. A key takeaway is that creativity is not a talent but a skill that can be developed. This concept is built upon throughout the book, whilst being reinforced by the small exercises at the end of each chapter, which encourage readers to apply what they’ve learned and experience the effects firsthand. These exercises make the concepts actionable and help solidify the lessons in a meaningful way.
Seelig also shows how passion and the ability to inspire others are key to success, using relatable examples like Richard Branson’s entrepreneurial journey and the viral impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge, to illustrate her points. These stories bring the concepts to life, demonstrating the power of persistence, collaboration, and thinking outside the box.
The book’s straightforward and engaging language makes it easy to understand and apply. Seelig’s ability to break down complex ideas into simple, actionable steps is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Personally, I would have enjoyed the book more if it delved deeper into the psychology behind why the Invention Cycle works. Understanding the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that drive creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship could have added another layer of depth and insight.
Overall, Insight Out is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone looking to bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative thinker, or simply someone with a vision, this book provides the tools and motivation to turn your dreams into reality.
March 27, 2024
I am a student in the University of Twente entrepreneurship and business development honors program, and was assigned this book as part of the class. I quite enjoyed the book, and certainly learnt something from it. I felt it was a very easy read, and it isn't difficult to get through. There are lots of interesting examples from real entrepreneurs used, and there are certain "projects" spread throughout the book as well which serve as natural breaks. The projects were one of my favorite parts of the book. They are small tasks which help you understand the points of the book better.
I believe the teachings of the books were varied and relevant to entrepreneurship. A key part of the book was the "innovation cycle". I think the importance of this may have been slightly exaggerated, but the rest of the points were good. There were points about creativity, motivation, teamwork and time management. A good spread. The book covers a wide range of subjects enough to communicate some good points about them, but without going into so much depth that it becomes boring.
I would recommend this book to anyone else interested in entrepreneurship and who does not have any prior knowledge in it. I found it serves as a great introduction to the topic, and was inspired by it. I would definitely recommend it to other entrepreneurship students because it is an interesting, insightful and quick overview of how entrepreneurship works.
I believe the teachings of the books were varied and relevant to entrepreneurship. A key part of the book was the "innovation cycle". I think the importance of this may have been slightly exaggerated, but the rest of the points were good. There were points about creativity, motivation, teamwork and time management. A good spread. The book covers a wide range of subjects enough to communicate some good points about them, but without going into so much depth that it becomes boring.
I would recommend this book to anyone else interested in entrepreneurship and who does not have any prior knowledge in it. I found it serves as a great introduction to the topic, and was inspired by it. I would definitely recommend it to other entrepreneurship students because it is an interesting, insightful and quick overview of how entrepreneurship works.
December 21, 2017
I made a decision to read all of the books on the Stanford d.school recommended reading list. I have been attempting to bring design thinking into a very non-design oriented industry for along time, and realized I needed a deeper knowledge base from which to work. For a variety of reasons, I started with Tina Seelig's books.
The most valuable thing this book brings to the table is some differentiated vocabulary. Creative work has always been undermined by a lack of precise language about how it works, making it feel like there are barriers to entry for novices because no one knows what they are talking about. Seelig differentiates between curiosity, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in meaningful ways to help people along what she calls the innovation cycle.
There are several concepts from this book I will return to and I think it succeeds at her basic premise: giving you tools to transition what's in your head into the world.
The most valuable thing this book brings to the table is some differentiated vocabulary. Creative work has always been undermined by a lack of precise language about how it works, making it feel like there are barriers to entry for novices because no one knows what they are talking about. Seelig differentiates between curiosity, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in meaningful ways to help people along what she calls the innovation cycle.
There are several concepts from this book I will return to and I think it succeeds at her basic premise: giving you tools to transition what's in your head into the world.
May 19, 2024
This was a bit lackluster- an interesting premise and perhaps would have been useful while at HH when we were focusing so deeply on the IDEA academy theme, but it felt very dated for whatever reason reading it close to 10 years after publication. I am unsure about the choice to highlight a multitude of superficial examples in order to illustrate points - I imagine it is to cater to the interests of various readers and hoping that something sticks for a given person - but it felt like the points were diluted in an already quite short book… there would have been value in fully fleshed out examples - at the very least that completely hammer home the point of each section but even better if it provided a unified touch point that tied through the book. Where I will give her credit is the projects - perhaps not perfect but at the very least gives the readers a starting place for thinking about this for themselves.
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March 18, 2025As a University of Twente honours student in the Entrepreneurship and Business track, Insight Out by Tina Seelig was part of my recommended reading. The book presents a practical approach to transforming innovative ideas into reality through various interesting case studies and real life stories that connects creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
This book effectively connect the creative processes with entrepreneurial spirit , highlighting that anyone can come up with an innovation through curiosity and collaboration.
The book includes practical exercises and case studies from world class CEOs, Professors and encourage taking action and start the entrepreneurial life.
This book is ideal for students that are interested to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. It provides insights into real life examples and can build a solid foundation on connecting creativity and turning ideas into businesses.
This book effectively connect the creative processes with entrepreneurial spirit , highlighting that anyone can come up with an innovation through curiosity and collaboration.
The book includes practical exercises and case studies from world class CEOs, Professors and encourage taking action and start the entrepreneurial life.
This book is ideal for students that are interested to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. It provides insights into real life examples and can build a solid foundation on connecting creativity and turning ideas into businesses.
March 26, 2023
I am a University of Twente Honours student enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Business Development track and this book was my recommended reading. I liked how this book has tasks for the reader at the end of each chapter, as knowledge is more valuable when you apply it to reality. Additionally, the case studies in the book were very inspiring. However, I do not find the Invention Cycle very helpful, as it is very broad and theoretical. Despite this, this book could be helpful to other Entrepreneurship students, as it can help them foster an entrepreneurial mindset, by encouraging them to see problems as opportunities and to work on goals that they are passionate about.
June 30, 2021
I have a healthy dose of respect for any author, and that is the only reason for a 2-star rating. Frankly, this book should have never been published. It has zero practical applicability, lazy writing, and almost nothing to do with the title heading. I have spent 6 or so hours reading it, and in retrospect, I want my time back.
In short - I felt the entire book was the collection of TED talks, Stamford Venture marketing, the author's self-adulation, and lecture notes from undergrad course...
In short - I felt the entire book was the collection of TED talks, Stamford Venture marketing, the author's self-adulation, and lecture notes from undergrad course...
March 17, 2025
Before discussing the book, I would like to note that I am a University of Twente Honours student enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Business Development track and this was my recommended reading.
This book is based on the Invention Cycle and provides valuable insights into creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It includes many case studies, making it engaging and easy to read. Even if you don’t have prior knowledge of entrepreneurship or business, that’s okay—this book offers practical advice that can be applied to various aspects of life, making it a helpful and inspiring read.
This book is based on the Invention Cycle and provides valuable insights into creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It includes many case studies, making it engaging and easy to read. Even if you don’t have prior knowledge of entrepreneurship or business, that’s okay—this book offers practical advice that can be applied to various aspects of life, making it a helpful and inspiring read.
April 17, 2018
Most of the information provided by the book was pretty generic and didn't really deliver any enlightening details about creativity and innovation. In fact, the author hardly talks about how you can externalize your ideas and make them a reality. Yet, despite my expectations from the book, I really enjoyed the anecdotes and interactive aspect of the novel, as it allowed the reader to apply the knowledge practically and see the evidence for themselves.
February 5, 2019
The book has a great content and provides a kind of literature overview of several other books. I like the keywords of imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It's similar to a design process, the author tries hard to allow them to co-exist. I feel that's a good choice in positioning. I use the book as a reference to some techniques like story telling. I feel, too much has been cramped into a single book. It needs some better editing.
September 20, 2022
I see that many reviews weren’t happy with the organization of the book. I can understand that. However I found that listening to the author read the book over audio was very engaging and I think it helped with the thought process and flow of the text. I enjoyed it. I love that it is scripture based and I walked away with new ways of managing my thoughts and connection with God and others. I recommend it and would read it again.
October 16, 2017
It's quite amazing to see someone put words on topics and insights on a concept as difficult as design thinking. I have done quite some work in design thinking, human-centered design, and changing frame of reference for thinking/looking at daily things in life so a lot of the ideas were not new to me hence I am not mindblown enough to give it a 5 star.
February 11, 2019
Some of the ideas in this book are not new to me, but Seelig’s perspective on innovation is. She makes a very clear connection between the innovation process and personal development. The many personal assignments in the book are clearly based on a lot of experience. Recommended!
December 17, 2020
3/5
This book had lots of useful information, but played as a repackaging of most of the stuff I have been reading over the last few years. Not a bad thing, and a good place to start for many, just didn't bring too much new to the table for me.
This book had lots of useful information, but played as a repackaging of most of the stuff I have been reading over the last few years. Not a bad thing, and a good place to start for many, just didn't bring too much new to the table for me.
July 28, 2017
Tina's writing is always useful and peppered with great stories from her experiences at Stanford.
May 9, 2018
Subpar. Not much juice.
August 25, 2018
I did not finish reading. Very slow and the reader was monotonous. I will have to get it in hard copy and give it another try.
December 23, 2018
Interesting thoughts on respecting the flow of creativity.
August 1, 2021
I didn't really feel this one.
November 28, 2022
a school book, nothing special 😆
August 23, 2023
Creativity Rules is an updated, softcover edition of Insight Out...
October 21, 2019
Bland Malcolm Gladwell-esque book jacket design. Promises of all your dreams coming true. A one-sentence idea delivered in four sections. Large type and line spacing to artificial inflate the number of pages so it feels like a 'real' book. A surprising number of blanks pages dedicated for you to take notes. Hokey wordplay for a title. Books like this are supposed to be bad. This one is not.
I had the impression that Insight Out would be about going from rags to riches through some improbable formula. It is that, but it is also Tina Seelig ceaselessly demonstrating how much she genuinely cares for her students (who were the inspiration for this book) and by extension her readers. Just look at the Index and References section! Writers who don't love their work, don't do this.
The act of bringing something from within out into the world is an intense and difficult process and Seelig understands this better than most. Her writing, in many ways, conflates the idea of starting a business with personal development and reflection. It can be read either way and whichever path you choose, you're likely to be touched by notes of the other.
The exercises at the end of the chapter are open-ended and surprisingly inviting. Even just pondering them for a few seconds will lead to some real revelations. You couldn't ignore them even if you tried.
The later chapters take on a kind of 'greatest hits from other self-help books' vibe. I originally thought this was a little cheap, but then realized that it's actually the greatest thing ever. I was taking notes on every page. Having studied interaction design in graduate school, the brief section on pretotyping (borrowed from Alberto Savoia's book by the same name) actually blew my mind. Why had no one taught me this and why is such a fabulous idea hanging out in this little "Now That's What I Call Entrepreneurship 15" book. Moments like this happen frequently in Insight Out.
I would recommend this book to just about everyone.
I had the impression that Insight Out would be about going from rags to riches through some improbable formula. It is that, but it is also Tina Seelig ceaselessly demonstrating how much she genuinely cares for her students (who were the inspiration for this book) and by extension her readers. Just look at the Index and References section! Writers who don't love their work, don't do this.
The act of bringing something from within out into the world is an intense and difficult process and Seelig understands this better than most. Her writing, in many ways, conflates the idea of starting a business with personal development and reflection. It can be read either way and whichever path you choose, you're likely to be touched by notes of the other.
The exercises at the end of the chapter are open-ended and surprisingly inviting. Even just pondering them for a few seconds will lead to some real revelations. You couldn't ignore them even if you tried.
The later chapters take on a kind of 'greatest hits from other self-help books' vibe. I originally thought this was a little cheap, but then realized that it's actually the greatest thing ever. I was taking notes on every page. Having studied interaction design in graduate school, the brief section on pretotyping (borrowed from Alberto Savoia's book by the same name) actually blew my mind. Why had no one taught me this and why is such a fabulous idea hanging out in this little "Now That's What I Call Entrepreneurship 15" book. Moments like this happen frequently in Insight Out.
I would recommend this book to just about everyone.
December 30, 2015
As the title states, this is a fairly solid guide to help translate ideas that are floating around in your head, and making them a reality. If you are new to guidance books in this area, you will probably find a few things to takeaway. The lessons are well structured.
I think this quote sums up the value of ideas and keeping track of them:
"As I have said many times, ideas aren't cheap at all--they are free. There is a big difference. When things are cheap, they don't have any value. When they are free, they are priceless."
I think this quote sums up the value of ideas and keeping track of them:
"As I have said many times, ideas aren't cheap at all--they are free. There is a big difference. When things are cheap, they don't have any value. When they are free, they are priceless."
November 28, 2015
Tina Seelig provides a light framework to distinguish the place of creativity and ideas. The Invention Cycle inside includes: imagination to creativity to innovation to entrepreneurship... and round again.
The book includes well thought mini personal projects for you to hone your abilities in each component of the cycle.
Will become a 5 stars after I decide to complete the projects... so 4/5 cos it's my fault. haha.
The book includes well thought mini personal projects for you to hone your abilities in each component of the cycle.
Will become a 5 stars after I decide to complete the projects... so 4/5 cos it's my fault. haha.
July 18, 2016
Some things come down to perspective, and others to clear and accurate thinking. This book shows you how to progress. Here Seelig continues the work that she started in her two other books, taking the time here as well to give you examples and guidelines so that you can try out the methods for yourself. A great read!
March 31, 2017
Simple and neat, wonderful book
First imagine, yes, you will understand whether your passion is true unless you engage.. Author emphasis that first you engage in different activities then some activity will give you utmost satisfaction. Then catch hold and be creative, it will take you to innovate a concept or a product
Do prototype before full fledged.. A kind of little bets
Great book
First imagine, yes, you will understand whether your passion is true unless you engage.. Author emphasis that first you engage in different activities then some activity will give you utmost satisfaction. Then catch hold and be creative, it will take you to innovate a concept or a product
Do prototype before full fledged.. A kind of little bets
Great book
August 31, 2015
Very helpful for anyone who has ideas but can't quite seem to bring them to fruition. Great exercises with practical applications to everyone from artists to engineers. I checked the book out from the library. I'll probably buy it now.
June 24, 2016
This book was a little fluffy for me, but I expected that. It was a quick pick because none of the books on my waiting list had
come through yet. There were no profound insights for me, but it was readable.
come through yet. There were no profound insights for me, but it was readable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews