|
Be Creative – Is That Practical? |
|
|
|
Friday, 20 August 2004 |
4. Be Creative – Is That Practical?
A close cousin to being too logical in the creative thinking process is being too practical. This doesn't have a place during the creative process either. If you get bogged down in your next creative brainstorming session, pose the question "What if [ >? Fill in the [ > with anything you want – the purpose is to get you moving through the creative process again.
Let's assume you have a problem keeping a cleaning solvent within specifications. Ask "What if [ >?"
This technique will keep your group's creative juices flowing and allow new innovative ideas to surface.
Another technique is to simply ask, "How would others solve this problem?"
 To get another creative angle on it you can play the role as if you are the idea or product. How would you solve this database problem if you were the computer? Some very creative ideas can surface from role-playing.
Being both practical and logical during the creative process is a no-no. There is plenty of time for that later. Another of my favorite Van Oech quotes is, "Be an artist before you are a judge." I read that quote years ago and remember it well and use it often. This kind of mindset can get you to think out of the box.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 19 November 2004 )
|
Tools & Tips 