This from Linda Tischler's article on Northwestern U's Essentials of Industrial Design class in Fast Company. In it, Linda profiles design guru Mark Dziersk, who teaches his students about the innovation process behind great products.
His parting words to his class as they pick up an assignment can be considered the mantra for Pow!, the formula for great Surprise. So simple, but so true, and worth repeating ad nausem:
"Remember:
Creativity plus risk
gets you the grade"
And not just in class. In business. In life. Everywhere.