Did you know that innovation comes in different styles? According to Greg Satell’s research in the Harvard Business Review, innovators typically fall into one of four categories (you’ll see below). This framework aligns with research from IDEO’s Ten Faces of Innovation, which reestablishes the idea that everyone has an innovation style, they just need to discover it. 

When we think of innovation, we often picture high-tech labs, streaming platforms like Netflix, UPI services or Elon Musk’s SpaceX. But innovation isn’t just about technology or complex ideas, it’s about solving problems in smart and resourceful ways. No matter where you are.

Take something as simple as keeping water cool in extreme heat. In Haridwar, where summer temperatures rise, shopkeepers and street vendors don’t always have the luxury of owning a fridge or buying cold water throughout the day. But they’ve found creative solutions! Some tie their bottles to a rope and let them float in the flowing river. This approach naturally keeps the water cool without extra effort.

Elsewhere, people wrap a wet cloth around their bottles. As the water evaporates (dries up), it also pulls heat away from the bottle, keeping the water inside refreshingly cool. No fancy devices, no expensive tech- just simple, clever strategy. 

What do YOU do when faced with a problem?  Some people see the big picture and dream up bold ideas. Others focus on refining the details, experimenting, or working with others to bring ideas to life. That’s the beauty of innovation. It’s not tied to a place, a profession, or a level of privilege. 

So, what kind of innovator are you? Ever wondered? Let’s find out.

The Quiz: Discover Your Innovation Style

Answer the following questions and take note of your answers. At the end, you’ll find out which innovator type best matches your mindset!

1. When faced with a challenge, your first instinct is to:

A) Think about the long-term impact and how this could change the world.
B) Break it down step by step and analyze different solutions.
C) Try out multiple ideas and see what works best.
D) Talk to others and brainstorm together.

2. Your workspace is usually:

A) Covered in vision boards and big ideas.
B) Organized with notes and detailed plans.
C) A creative mess with prototypes and experiments.
D) Full of shared ideas, sticky notes, and team projects.

3. If you could invent something, it would be:

A) A revolutionary new concept that transforms industries.
B) A highly efficient tool to solve an everyday problem.
C) A gadget that can evolve and improve over time.
D) A system that brings people together to collaborate.

4. When working on a project, you:

A) Set ambitious goals and inspire others to follow.
B) Research deeply and plan the most effective approach.
C) Experiment with different methods and adapt quickly.
D) Work best when bouncing ideas off others.

5. What excites you most about innovation?

A) Changing the future with big ideas.
B) Finding the smartest and most practical solutions.
C) Experimenting, failing, and refining until it works.
D) Bringing people together to create something amazing.

6. How do you handle failure?

A) I see it as part of the bigger journey toward success.
B) I analyze what went wrong and improve my approach.
C) I try again immediately with a different method.
D) I talk to others and get feedback to refine the idea.

What Your Answers Say About You: Your Innovator Type!

Tally up your answers and see which letter you chose the most. Your dominant choice reveals your innovation style.

The Problem-Solver (Mostly A’s)

You are the practical innovator who loves tackling real-world challenges! Someone who breaks down complex problems, analyzes data, and finds the smartest way to fix things. A problem-solver’s  approach is methodical, logical, and solution-driven. You believe that every problem has an answer waiting to be found.

• Famous Problem-Solvers: Thomas Edison, Ada Lovelace, Katherine Johnson
• Your Superpower: Seeing the most effective and efficient solutions
• Your Challenge: Sometimes, you get stuck perfecting details—don’t forget to take risks!

The Experimenter (Mostly B’s)

You believe that trial and error is the key to success! Someone who thrives in hands-on environments, constantly testing, tweaking, and improving your ideas. An experimenter is naturally curious, adaptable, and not afraid to fail because each failure is a stepping stone to a breakthrough.

• Famous Experimenters: Nikola Tesla, Leonardo da Vinci, James Dyson
• Your Superpower: Your ability to pivot, learn, and refine ideas quickly
• Your Challenge: Too many experiments can delay decisions- sometimes, you just have to commit!

The Visionary (Mostly C’s)

You are the big-picture thinker! Someone who sees opportunities where others see obstacles and is always dreaming up ways to shape the future. You don’t just want to solve problems- you want to redefine how things work. A visionary’s strength lies in bold ideas, strategic thinking, and inspiring others to follow your vision.

• Famous Visionaries: Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Marie Curie
• Your Superpower: Turning ambitious dreams into groundbreaking innovations
• Your Challenge: Sometimes, execution takes a backseat to ideas- partnering with detail-oriented people can help!

The Collaborator (Mostly D’s)

You believe innovation thrives in teamwork! Someone who loves brainstorming, bouncing ideas off others, and bringing together different perspectives to create something greater. A collaborator’s superpower is communication, networking, and making sure everyone’s ideas are valued.

•  Famous Collaborators: Tim Berners-Lee (inventor of the World Wide Web), Rosalind Franklin, Pixar’s Ed Catmull
• Your Superpower: Bringing people together to co-create amazing things
• Your Challenge: Too much collaboration can slow things down—sometimes, a strong decision is needed!

Embrace Your Innovation Style

No single innovator type is better than another- each plays a crucial role in bringing ideas to life. The best teams combine visionaries, problem-solvers, experimenters, and collaborators to drive real impact. 

Which innovator type did you get? 

Share in the comments, and tell us how you bring innovation to life!