Development / Product Design

“Inventors’ imagination must be given a free rein,” says Daniel Brück. While familiar with a range of creativity techniques from his degree course, the Innovations Manager firmly believes in “letting good ideas run wild. Every idea is valid.” This often leads to amazing things, like a VX25 he helped to develop. “Even if you end up scrapping nine out of ten ideas, you are still left with one good one.” So what does this role need? “Creative freedom,” Daniel Brück responds immediately, because “unfortunately, you don’t get ideas by pushing a button.” Face-to-face exchanges with his team are also important, he says. “I find this is the best way of exploring new avenues.” 

Get off the beaten path and there’s plenty to discover. Rolf Benner likes to go mountain biking in his free time and explore new paths; the same is true of his work. “We are driven by our curiosity about what’s around the next corner.” Of course, you need to find those corners first.  We don’t always succeed straight away, he adds. “Three ideas end up in the bin so that the fourth has a chance of success.” He recalls one project where a suggestion from owner Prof. Friedhelm Loh prompted a sudden breakthrough. “It’s often worth taking a roundabout route,” the experienced inventor adds. This calls for stamina and curiosity, as well as the right environment. “Rittal gives us the creative freedom we need,” Benner adds.

“Our owner believes in ingenuity, and that’s the best pre-requisite for this job.”