Boost your team’s creativity with Made to Stick, Sprint, and Contagious

At 216°, we believe that creativity is not just an abstract talent—it’s a skill that can be cultivated, refined, and applied strategically. Whether you’re looking to spark innovation, craft compelling ideas, or turn abstract concepts into concrete action, the right frameworks can make all the difference. Here are three must-read books that provide powerful principles for driving creativity and impact within your team.

1. "Made to Stick" by Chip & Dan Heath

How do you make ideas memorable? "Made to Stick" explores why some concepts gain traction while others fade away. The Heath brothers break down the six key principles of sticky ideas—concepts that resonate, persuade, and inspire action.

Key Principles from "Made to Stick":

Simplicity: Strip ideas to their core essence, making them easy to understand and remember.
Unexpectedness: Surprise people to grab attention and sustain curiosity.
Concreteness: Use clear, tangible examples that people can visualize and relate to.
Credibility: Provide authentic proof, whether through statistics, authorities, or relatable experiences.
Emotional Connection: Ideas stick when they evoke strong feelings and personal relevance.
Storytelling: Narrative structures help ideas spread and inspire action.

At 216°, we apply these principles to help teams craft compelling pitches, creative strategies, and brand messaging that stick with customers and stakeholders.

2. "Contagious" by Jonah Berger

What makes an idea, product, or movement go viral? "Contagious" unpacks the science of word-of-mouth influence and how social behaviors drive spreadable ideas. Berger outlines six key factors that make ideas shareable.

Key Frameworks from "Contagious":

Social Currency: People share ideas that make them look smart, interesting, or in-the-know.
Triggers: Ideas spread when they are linked to everyday cues and repeated frequently.
Emotion: High-arousal emotions (excitement, anger, awe) drive sharing.
Public Visibility: If something is easily seen, it’s more likely to be imitated.
Practical Value: People share ideas that are useful, offering tangible benefits.
Stories: Narratives act as vessels for spreading information effectively.

At 216°, we leverage these insights to design brand campaigns, engagement strategies, and product experiences that drive organic growth and community impact.

3. "Sprint" by Jake Knapp

"Sprint" provides a step-by-step system for rapid problem-solving and innovation, developed at Google Ventures. The process helps teams move from ideas to tested solutions in just five days, ensuring speed and effectiveness.

Key Steps from the "Sprint" Framework:

Map the Challenge: Define the problem and establish a clear goal.
Sketch Solutions: Encourage divergent thinking before narrowing down.
Decide & Storyboard: Choose the best ideas and create a testable blueprint.
Prototype Quickly: Build a low-cost model to simulate the idea.
Test with Real Users: Gather feedback, refine, and iterate before full-scale launch.

At 216°, we guide teams through creative sprints that cut through uncertainty, accelerate decision-making, and turn ambitious ideas into actionable innovations.

Ready to Transform Your Team’s Creativity?

Reading is just the first step—applying these powerful principles is where the real transformation happens. At 216°, we specialize in embedding these frameworks into your team's workflow, helping you craft ideas that stick, design contagious campaigns, and sprint toward innovative solutions.

Let’s start your creativity transformation today. Reach out to 216° to unlock your team’s full creative potential.

Inspiration: 3 Books to Boost Your Team’s Creativity