Creativity

Definition: Creativity is the creation of something new and valuable, either intangible (ideas, theories, compositions) or tangible (inventions, works of art).

Creativity vs. Innovation: Creativity generates new ideas, while innovation applies these ideas in practical contexts. Creativity is the starting point for innovation but doesn’t guarantee it.

Characteristics of creativity:

• Connecting remote ideas and perspectives.
• Curiosity, flexibility, and tolerance for ambiguity.
• Generating multiple solutions and unusual uses for familiar objects.

Blocks to Creativity:

• Fear of mistakes, criticism, or being an outsider.
• Traditions, taboos, or incompatible objectives.
• Dominance of left-brain (analytical thinking) over right-brain (creative thinking).

Characteristics of a Creative Thinker:

• Belief in creativity leads to success.
• Positive attitude towards learning and knowledge.
• Openness to change and willingness to experiment.

Four Characteristics of Creative Thinking:

1. Originality: Unique responses to problems (e.g., designing futuristic objects).
2. Elaboration: Ability to add details and clarify ideas (e.g., customizing phone covers with colors).
3. Fluency: Ability to generate many ideas (e.g., a fashion designer producing multiple concepts).
4. Flexibility: Shifting mental approaches to solve problems (e.g., working under pressure).

Creative Thinking Techniques:

1. 1. Brainstorming: Group method to generate ideas by broadening the solution space.
   • Free-thinking environment.
   • Appoint a chairperson and record all ideas.
2. Bridge-Process Flow Analogy: Use traffic flow concepts to solve process bottlenecks.
3. Six Thinking Hats (Edward de Bono):
   • Blue Hat: Planning and organizing.
   • White Hat: Factual thinking.
   • Red Hat: Emotions and intuition.
   • Black Hat: Caution and risk assessment.
   • Yellow Hat: Positive and constructive thinking.
   • Green Hat: Creative thinking and new ideas.
4. Business Process Reengineering (BPR): Redesigning workflows to achieve business goals.

Validation Checklist:

• Ensure objectives are met and problems are solved.
• Check for new problems introduced and adaptability to future changes.