CREATIVE THINKING TOOLS

TRENDS AND TECHNIQUES

INTRODUCTION
Creative thinking is an adventure of the mind (Fabian, 2018)
Majestic pyramids, simple but effective mining apparatus, fine paper, wood-and-metal cutting lathes,
destructive gunpowder, and grand-scale aqueducts are only a few products of ancient times.

EXPERIENCING “EUREKA”
Greek Scholar Archimedes
- The volume of an object is equal to the volume of the water dispersed when the object is submerged.
The Eureka experience captured the spirit and excitement of many creators and inventors.
- TEAM PLAYERS, TEAM CONTRIBUTIONS, AND TEAM SOLUTIONS
- Industries want innovations that can take them in whole new directions.

STARTING THE JOURNEY

Mental Readiness Alertness to Opportunities Pathways to Discovery

Walking the path toward Look around you in every Take the path that gives you
discovery starts first with a keen work setting for chances to use your good chance of making a
mental approach. (Optimistic mindset) imagination. breakthrough.
“A lulled mind dulls the creative edge”
An “algorithm” is a tested, common approach – a chemical formula, a
mathematical equation, a seasoned technique, or a well-known
measure.
A “heuristic” is an aid to creative problem-solving. It is an experimental process or technique, a method for
exploring and discovering solutions. (thinking that a fresh thought is needed, that’s when you have heuristic
thinking)
 Trial and Error Happy Accident A Team Approach
Emphasizes how this A bit of serendipity required Applying a variety of
approach can be enhanced by keen a mind that is relaxed, open and creative thinking and problem-
observation and by learning from curious solving techniques to get an
what didn’t work. imaginative result.
An unexpected and
How big does an “Assignment” havepositive
to be before you devote creative thinking
Taking calculated risks and learning
to it?
the outcomes both considering the
success and the failure.
TAKING GIANT OR SMALL STEPS
Giant leaps of innovation are required at the research, development, and design activity phases. Creative
thinking cannot be reserved for the giant leaps. It must also be applied to improvements in small steps, gains by
inch and yard.

DEBUNKING MYTHS

DEFINING KEYWORDS
 Samson Raphaelson
“Creativity is seeing what’s really there.”
 George Prince
“Creativity thinking is really just good thinking.”
 Jerome Bruner
“Imaginative reasoning is an act that produces effective surprise.”
 Herbert Fox
“The creative process is any thinking process which solves a problem in an original and useful
way.”
  CREATIVE THINKING
- Mental processes that give birth to ingenious thoughts
- Reasoning that uses imagination
 INNOVATION
- Introduction of the new results of creative thinking
- new product; new device
 CREATIVITY
- Inventiveness; ability to create something new and imaginative
- Newness; infrequency
 INVENTION
- Created and discovered
- Made it through the legal process
- Mental and behavioral processes of inventing

DECIDING WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED

1. Assuming success, what will be the probable consequences? Who will be affected by any resolutions
or actions?
2. Who has the most expertise in this area? How can that knowledge and experience be tapped?
3. Are organizational politics likely to be a major factor? How can we control that?
4. Who has a successful track record of creating new things?
5. What parts of the organization such as engineering, manufacturing, and marketing - have unique
perspectives that should be considered? Who could be of help?
6. Who will have to buy, sponsor, or evaluate the ideas that are chosen?
7. Who can provide “fresh air” thinking or act as a devil’s advocate when the situation is being
examined, when creative thoughts are needed, or when evaluation and action are required?
8. Are the perspectives of customers, stockholders, the opposition, or the community going to be
represented? Who will be their agents?
CHOOSING OUTCOMES
BREAKTHROUGH CREATIVE ELEMENTS
THE HUMAN INSTRUMENT (unique capabilities)
 Mental, perceptual, emotional, and motor equipment
 Reasoning power
 How imaginatively you think is affected by your style of thinking, attitude, traits, and emotional-
perceptual characteristics
 Level of consciousness
 Flow of creativity – the quality of “Human Equipment”

DISCOVERY PROCESSES (systematic methods; approaches to use)

1. Process, the Creative or Discovery Cycle
The creative cycle has been designed to capitalize on the wealth of innovative thinking research
and practice
2. Creative Strategies
Draws upon imagination-awakening techniques which are the heart of the creative process. As
blueprints, these arousal plans help tackle problems and promising situations when a less rational
and more imaginative approach is needed.

ENHANCEMENTS
 Vehicle that can sharpen and expand CREATIVITY IS JUST
innovative thinking
 Techniques and exercises
CONNECTING THINGS
 Commitment to continuous
improvement - Steve
 Providing better solutions and Jobs
experiences
 Individual and group tools
 Refining and elevating the current state of things
ENVIRONMENTS (physical, cultural, psychological context)
Highly innovative, effective organizations succeed to the degree that they create a culture in which
innovation is esteemed, risk-taking is prized, ideas are honored, communication flows openly, trust grows, and
intrinsic motivation is cultivated.
Encouragement, support, nourishment, and reinforcement are key aspects of pursuing a crusade of
innovation and creativity.