A multi-disciplinarian: the way to innovation

Multi-disciplinarian, generalist, all-rounder, There are many terms for it. A multi-disciplinarian is the term that I use to describe a person who is skilled in various fields and handles them with flair. The specialist, on the other hand, is seen as an expert in a specific field or practice. Specialists tend to have a singular focus. Both generalists and specialists are necessary, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Whether you are a generalist or a specialist, your skill set will be more relevant depending on your role, field, or industry. As a multi-disciplinarian, I gravitate towards this view over being a specialist. Dabbling in different domains, even moving across fields, ignites the fire within me. I am writing this article to highlight the many benefits there are to be a multi-disciplinarian, with the main advantage being innovation.

Wiktionary describes a multi-disciplinarian as someone familiar with many disciplines. So what is a discipline? Sarabeth Berk, PhD, states that a discipline is a branch of knowledge. And of course, knowledge is comprehension gained through learning or experience. Therefore, a multi-disciplinarian is someone who has gained abundant knowledge and experience over time. This may sound exhausting or even unsettling to some. But I wish to share the privilege and benefits of having this mindset. Being a multi-disciplinarian is exciting, as it opens up a world of possibilities because your thinking is so rich and broad. Having this perspective leads to audacious moves, insatiable curiosity, and incredible innovations.

Multi-disciplinarians gain different experiences that build upon each other. Their careers appear to be muddled; however, they are imbued with knowledge and experience. As such, these individuals offer great value to their organisations and life in general. Forbes characterises multi-disciplinarians as having a collection of knowledge and seeing connections and links that specialists discount. Interacting with various people in different settings helps multi-disciplinarians augment their emotional quotient. Their high EQ makes them effective in collaboration and when facilitating interaction in teams. With greater awareness, multi-disciplinarians will see the grand scheme of things and be able to tack them together. Forbes puts it well when they say, "I know enough about a lot of things to have intelligent conversations with all kinds of experts, facilitating deeper dialogue that leads to better solutions."

Murielle Marie, a business and career coach, lists several benefits of being a multi-disciplinarian. Murielle sympathises with fellow multi-disciplinarians, who are the anomalies in a specialist world and are often pressured to choose and stick to one thing. When dabbling between and across fields is seen as a problem, Murielle states that it is a strength. It is said that creatives who have mastered diverse skills can now use these abilities to their advantage. Here are some of the abilities that the multi-disciplinarian holds:

1. Problem-solving

Multi-disciplinarians thrive on challenges; therefore, they find it easy to connect the dots. They can reference past experiences to solve new problems. Their motivation comes from their innate ability to solve problems, which they frequently seek out because they enjoy challenges. 

2. Adapting to change

Multi-disciplinarians adapt effortlessly as they are used to switching between activities and roles. This makes them resilient.

3. Fast learners

Multi-disciplinarians are nimble in an ever-changing world. Studies show that they can learn and retain new concepts quickly.

4. Diplomacy

Multi-disciplinarians are inclined to understand people and situations better. They also engage tactfully with others.

5. Leadership

Multidisciplinary people can see things from different points of view, which makes it easy for them to put themselves in the shoes of others. They can make all stakeholders feel heard.

6. Exploration and curiosity

Multi-disciplinarians have a natural hunger to know more. They are always exploring uncharted territories with a willingness to fail and are continuously starting afresh. This gives them a competitive edge as they can find novel ways to solve problems.

7. Innovation

Multi-disciplinarians are more innovative because they have a broad range of interests and skills to work with. They can link seemingly different chunks of information from a range of life and professional experiences.

Overall, these individuals are currently highly employable because of their range of knowledge and experiences. Multi-disciplinarians can think critically, creatively, and outside the box when faced with challenges. Being a multi-disciplinarian is a huge asset.

Before looking forward to what innovation means for the multi-disciplinarian, we begin by looking back at innovation history. Historically, the word "innovation" was demeaning. Kaihan Krippendorff states that the word "novation" means new and refers to the renewal of a contract in the 13th century. In the 16th century, religion chastised those who set out to rewrite scripture for being innovative. The term "innovation" gained acceptance during the industrial revolution as it correlated with science and invention. From the 1950s on, the use of the term "invention" diminished while the word "innovation" gained prominence. The father of innovation economics, Joseph Schumpeter, introduced the concept that invention is the development of something new while innovation is the adoption of that thing. There have been five series of innovations since the industrial revolution.

Innovators are known to be passionate people who want to change the world for the better. They think differently. Some legendary innovators were: Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci, the Wright Brothers, Galileo Galilei, and Benjamin Franklin, amongst many others. Benjamin Franklin is a great example of a multi-disciplinarian who was a polymath, political theorist, scientist, statesman, writer, and innovator. He was known for his experiments with lightning and electricity.

Several characteristics define an innovator. These characteristics are listed below:

1. Innovators exude confidence.

Innovators are always taking risks and trying new things. To put their bold ideas into action, they need to be sure of themselves. Innovators are perceptive and trust their judgments. Although they are open to guidance.

2. Innovators are creative wizards.

Innovative people have great thinking skills and are naturally curious, which helps them find hidden opportunities. When they have established the gap, they discover the techniques to innovate. Innovators use different tactics for creative processing, for example, meditating or brainstorming.

3. Innovators are open-minded.

Innovators welcome new experiences. Studies show that openness reveals one's ability to innovate. Innovative people are constantly faced with ambiguity and handle it with ease. To embark on the journey of innovation, one has to be willing to face some darkness. Innovation is a journey for the brave.

4. Innovators are inspired by change. 

Change is what spurs innovators. They thrive on improving products and developing new ideas. They are self-starters, proactive, and overcome obstacles.

When I was a media and graphic design lecturer, I found new ways of doing things when I introduced Adobe InDesign to journalism students. These students were using the tool for the very first time. I simulated InDesign using paper, magazine cutouts, and stationery. I recalled the first time that I used design tools and the difficulty that I faced; hence, I empathised with them by finding a novel way to make the learning experience easy and enjoyable. When the students were applying themselves to the tool, their confidence levels were higher, and they saw the benefits of learning the software. As an artist, I use non-traditional instruments to add effects to my artwork. I recently used the edge of a broken pencil instead of a paintbrush to paint an ocean, and it worked wonders. Innovation is a significant part of my life and career, as I am constantly trying new and challenging things.

In UX, I innovate by optimising my work process while going into the depths of the area of focus. Recently, when I was on a research project, I discovered a quick yet effective data analysis process after reading this article by the Nielsen and Norman Group. See the data analysis process that I designed using the article here.

Witwatersrand challenges the convention that innovation only correlates with science, technology, and engineering. It states that 'wicked problems' can be innovated through policy creation, influence, and an interdisciplinary approach. The assistant dean for research in the Faculty of Humanities at Wits asserts that innovation should serve the general public through advanced knowledge and ameliorate the living standards of citizens. Wits have used innovation to solve some real-world problems by using WhatsApp to create a math hotline during the pandemic and by addressing gender inequality. Wits attest that art-and-science collaborations are an impetus for innovation at many levels.

As stated, there are many benefits to being a multi-disciplinarian. However, it is important to communicate that multi-disciplinarians lack in-depth knowledge of subjects. Thus, they require partnerships with specialists who are subject matter experts. As multi-disciplinarians can juggle a myriad of tasks, they also need to heed the risk of burnout. While it is stated in the benefits that multi-disciplinarians are adept at carrying out several activities concurrently, self-care and self-control become paramount.

Innovation should not be the cause of apprehension but rather an inspiration. Non-multi-disciplinarians should know that innovation is not necessarily about creating something new but optimising and improving an existing notion. For multi-disciplinarians, continue being yourselves, understand the value that you bring, and keep innovating.

Suggestions on how to become more innovative are listed in the resources below:

I am a UX consultant, a coach, and an artist. I also have an obstinate interest in entrepreneurship. I have a solid background in visual design and have been growing in my UX career since 2020. I am a high-calibre individual with a zeal for learning. I hold a BA in Arts with Honors and a plethora of certificates. What sets me apart is my ability to empathise with and understand people and my high emotional intelligence. These skills, among others, aid me in achieving excellence in my work. As a creative, I like to express myself on paper and screen.