CREATIVITY

A problem can be defined as a scenario in which the current situation does not match the desired situation, or anytime actual performance does not match expectations.

WHAT IS A PROBLEM

The creative problem solving process involves creativity. The problem solvers come up with solutions that are innovative, rather than obtaining help to learn the answers or implementing standard procedures.

What is Creative Problem Solving

Information Gathering

Step 1 in the Creative Solving Process

Problem Definition

Step 2 in the Creative Solving Process

Generating Possible Solutions using various tools

Step 3 in the Creative Solving Process

Analyzing Possible Solutions

Step 4 in the Creative Solving Process

Selecting the Best Solution(s)

Step 5 in the Creative Solving Process

Planning the Next Course of Action (Next Steps), or implementing the solution(s)

Step 6 in the Creative Solving Process

FACT

are small pieces of well known data. Facts are based on objective details and experience

OPINION

are also based on observation and experience, but they are subjective and can be self-serving.

OPINIONATED FACT

When a fact and opinion are presented together, which may try to indicate the significance of a fact, suggest generalization, or attach value to it. are often meant to sway the listener to a particular point of view using the factual data

CONCEPT

are general ideas or categories of items or ideas that share common features. are important pieces of information to help make connections or to develop theories or hypotheses.

ASSUMPTION

are a type of concept or hypothesis in which something is taken for granted

PROCESS

are slightly different, describing continuous actions or operations to explain how something works or operates

PROCEDURE

are a type of information that tells how to do something with specific steps.

PRINCIPLE

Principles are accepted rules or fundamental laws or doctrines, often describing actions or conduct

Four tools to use in defining the problem are

Determining where the problem originated Defining the present state and the desired state Stating and restating the problem Analyzing the problem

The problem statement should

Include specific details about the problem, including who, what, when, where, and how

The problem statement should not include

Any mention of possible causes

Any potential solution

EMOTIONS

can include anything from a fear of risk taking to a tendency to judge or approach the problem with a negative attitude

DISTRACTIONS

Too much information, irrelevant information, or environmental distractions can prevent a productive brainstorming session.

ASSUMPTIONS

If problem solvers assume there is only one correct solution, they will be unable to generate additional ideas. Assumptions also become mental blocks from stereotypes or perceived boundaries where none exist.

COMMUNICATION DIFFICULTIES

If we cannot communicate our ideas in some way - speaking, writing, or pictures - these can block our progress in generating ideas.

attitude adjustment.

1st technique in removing mental blocks

risk taking. Define what the worst possible outcome might be and what options there are in that scenario.

2nd technique in removing mental blocks

break the rules

3rd technique in removing mental blocks

allow imagination, feelings, and a sense of humor

4th technique in removing mental blocks

encouraging your creativity.

5th technique in removing mental blocks

Cost – benefit analysis

is a method of assigning a monetary value to the potential benefits of a solution and weighing those against the costs of implementing that solution.

Paired Comparison Analysis

is a method of prioritizing a small number of workable solutions. The first step for using this tool is to list all of the possible solutions. Label each potential solution with a letter or number. Next, compare the solutions in pairs. Decide only between those two which solution is preferable.

time

How will you schedule the project? When would you like the solution completed? How much time will each task identified take

equipment

Is there any special equipment required to implement the task? Does the equipment exist or need to be obtained

personnel

Who will complete each identified task?

money

How much will the solution cost? Where will the money come from?

information

Is any additional information required to implement the solution? Who will obtain it? How

white hat

facts and information

red hat

feelings and emotions

black hat

critical judgment

yellow hat

positive judgment

green hat

alternatives and learnings

blue hat

the big picture