TOOLS FOR CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

1. Tools for creative problem solving

Creative problem-solving is the ability to approach challenges in novel, imaginative ways, transforming obstacles into opportunities through innovative thinking. It is a dynamic process that involves breaking away from conventional thought patterns to explore new possibilities, often by reframing problems or applying unconventional methods to find solutions. Unlike traditional problem-solving, which may rely heavily on logic and past experiences, creative problem-solving embraces ambiguity, experimentation, and lateral thinking.

Process of creative problem solving 

The creative problem-solving process typically involves seven key steps:

Creative problem-solving is valuable in a wide range of fields, from business to science and the arts. It encourages curiosity, collaboration, and resilience, empowering individuals and teams to turn complex problems into opportunities for innovation. The key lies in openness to new perspectives and the courage to take risks and learn from failures, ultimately leading to more creative, impactful solutions.

Further you will find basic tools and techniques for creative problem solving:

• Brainstorming technique
• Mind mapping technique
• 5 Why’s technique
• SCAMPER technique
• 6 thinking hats technique
• Disney’s creativity method

1.1. Technique: Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a method of generating ideas and sharing knowledge to solve a particular problem or coming up with new ideas, in which participants are encouraged to think without interruption. Brainstorming is a group activity where each participant shares their ideas as soon as they come to mind, but also brainstorming can be used and individually. 

Brainstorming combines a relaxed, informal approach to problem solving with lateral thinking. It encourages people to come up with thoughts and ideas that can, at first, seem a bit crazy. Some of these ideas can be crafted into original, creative solutions to a problem, while others can spark even more ideas.

Do some practice. Practical task. Redesign a coffee mug

Objective of the task: to push your creativity by generating a wide range of ideas!

1.2. Technique: Mind mapping

A good way to structure thoughts, redefine a problem is to draw a Mind map. 

A Mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and as aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making and writing. A mind map represents semantic or other connections between portions of information. The elements are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts and they are organized into groupings, branches or areas. 

Mind map is a good tool to use for problem solving, creating ideas/projects and preparation of action plan. 

Do some practice. Practical task. Work-life balance

Objective of the task: to help you identify areas where you can focus your efforts for better balance.

1.3. Technique: 5Why’s

The 5 Whys analysis is a simple yet powerful technique used to dig deeper into the root cause of a problem. It involves asking "Why?" repeatedly—typically five times—until the underlying cause of the issue is uncovered. The goal is to move beyond the surface-level symptoms and identify the core issue driving the problem.

How it works?

The method is easy to use and requires no special tools, making it accessible to individuals and teams across industries. It forces you to go beyond superficial fixes and examine the deeper causes that, if not addressed, could lead to repeated issues. By targeting the root cause, this technique helps prevent the same problem from happening again in the future. The method encourages teams to work together in asking and answering the "Whys," fostering a deeper understanding of the issue. 

In essence, the 5 Whys Analysis transforms a reactive approach to problems into a proactive one, enabling individuals or teams to develop long-term solutions by addressing issues at their source.

Do some practice. Why project deadline was missed?

Do some practice. Practical task. 5 Whys Analysis

Objective of the task: to practice using the 5 Whys tool to identify the deeper cause of a problem rather than just addressing its surface symptoms.

1.4. Technique: SCAMPER

The SCAMPER method is a creative thinking and problem-solving tool designed to help individuals or teams generate innovative ideas and solutions. SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse—seven different approaches to thinking about an existing product, process, or problem in new ways.

The SCAMPER framework

How SCAMPER works

The SCAMPER method encourages a structured yet flexible approach to brainstorming, offering prompts that guide the user to consider various angles and possibilities. It’s particularly effective when trying to innovate existing products, services, or processes, as it systematically explores changes that could lead to improvements.

Here’s how to apply the SCAMPER technique:

• Select an item or problem: identify the product, service, or process that you want to improve or explore.
• Apply each of the SCAMPER prompts: ask questions based on each SCAMPER category (e.g., What can I substitute? What can I eliminate?) and write down all potential ideas, without judgment.

Source: https://byt.lt/ZJ7qK

• Review and evaluate: after brainstorming using the SCAMPER prompts, evaluate the ideas you generated. Some may lead directly to viable solutions or innovations.

Benefits of SCAMPER

• Versatile: SCAMPER can be used for brainstorming new ideas or improving existing products, processes, or services.
• Easy to use: it provides a structured yet creative framework for generating ideas, making it accessible for individuals or teams.
• Boosts innovation: by systematically exploring alternatives, SCAMPER encourages out-of-the-box thinking and can lead to novel solutions.

In essence, the SCAMPER method is a simple yet effective tool to stimulate creative thinking and solve problems by prompting users to view challenges from new and diverse angles.

Do some practice. Practical task. SCAMPER Technique

Objective of the task: to use the SCAMPER technique to creatively brainstorm new and practical features.

1.5. Technique: 6 thinking hats

The Six thinking hats technique, developed by Dr. Edward de Bono, is a powerful tool for improving decision-making, problem-solving, and creative thinking. It encourages individuals and teams to explore a problem from multiple perspectives by "wearing" different metaphorical hats, each representing a distinct mode of thinking. This structured approach allows people to switch from emotional to analytical or creative thinking, ensuring a balanced view and helping to avoid groupthink or biased judgments.

The Six thinking hats and their roles

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How the Six thinking hats work

During a group discussion or decision-making process, participants metaphorically "put on" one of the six hats to approach the issue from the designated perspective. Everyone in the group might wear the same hat at a given time, focusing collectively on one type of thinking, or different people might wear different hats to offer contrasting views.

Benefits of the Six thinking hats technique

In essence, the Six thinking hats technique is a flexible and effective tool for both individual and group problem-solving. It fosters balanced decision-making by encouraging participants to think from multiple perspectives, making it easier to reach a well-rounded conclusion.

Do some practice. Practical task. Six thinking hats technique

Objective of the task: to use the Six thinking hats technique to evaluate the decision from different perspectives and help you make a well-rounded choice.

Practical task. Buy a new laptop

1.6. Technique: Disney creativity method

The Disney creativity method, also known as Disney’s creative strategy, is a problem-solving and brainstorming technique designed to enhance creativity and innovative thinking. Developed by Walt Disney and later formalized by creativity expert Robert Dilts, this method helps individuals and teams explore ideas from three distinct perspectives—the Dreamer, the Realist, and the Critic. By separating these modes of thinking, the technique encourages innovative solutions while ensuring they are both practical and feasible.

The three roles of the Disney creativity method

How the Disney creativity method works

The Disney method involves cycling through each of the three roles—Dreamer, Realist, and Critic—either individually or as a team. These roles should be taken on one at a time to ensure that the focus remains on generating ideas, refining them, and then evaluating them, rather than mixing these modes of thinking all at once. This separation of thinking styles prevents premature criticism of ideas and promotes more balanced decision-making.

Benefits of the Disney creativity method

This method can be applied in various contexts, such as product development by innovating new products or services; business strategy by developing strategic plans or marketing campaigns; team collaboration by facilitating brainstorming sessions with diverse teams or personal projects by using it for personal goals or creative endeavors like writing, designing, or solving complex problems.

The Disney creativity method is a powerful tool that facilitates both creative thinking and critical analysis, allowing individuals and teams to generate imaginative ideas while ensuring they are grounded in reality. By shifting between the roles of Dreamer, Realist, and Critic, it helps balance the excitement of innovation with the practicalities and challenges of execution, leading to well-rounded solutions.

Do some practice. Plan a weekend getaway

Do some practice. Practical task. Disney creativity method

Objective of the task: to use the Disney creativity method to explore different vacation ideas, refine the most realistic options, and critically assess the potential challenges.