Ivan Poupyrev, of Google, on Dreaming Process

One of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2013, Dr. Ivan Poupyrev directs an interaction group to find new ideas and concepts at Disney Research, Pittsburgh. This research targets interactive technologies and interface design.

*Update: Poupyrev is now the technical program lead of Google's Advanced Technology and Projects.

Dreaming Made Simple: How important is an attitude of hope to the process of dreaming? How do you stay optimistic, especially as you deal with trial and error?

Dr. Ivan Poupyrev: Always be patient with yourself, just as you would (or should be) be patient with a small child trying to take the first step. More often than not, success is simply a function of time, and almost everything can be done and accomplished, given enough time.

Dreaming Made Simple: How do you know whether to keep going or to try something else?

Dr. Ivan Poupyrev: Well, I actually never give up on anything. I just decide to do it later when I have more time. I have a giant log of things that I will come back one day and finish. And sometimes I do come back to things and finish them when the timing is right.