TEC 830

Creative Problem Solving

Lesson Eight

Methods & Techniques for Stimulating Creativity - II

The previous lesson provided some ideas in regard to creative problem solving. Several methods and techniques for individual problem solving were considered. The group technique of brainstorming was discussed.

In this lesson, various group techniques will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on storyboarding, since these methods provide a way to analyze and seek solutions to problems in a comprehensive manner.

Lesson Outline:

1. Group techniques for generating alternatives (from 101 CPS Techniques).

- Brainstorming (see lesson 7).

- Brainwriting.

- Creative imaging.

- Creativity circles.

- Delphi technique.

- Excursion technique.

- Gallery method.

- Group Decision support systems.

- Idea board.

- Idea triggers.

- Innovation committee.

- Intercompany innovation group.

- Mitsubishi brainstorming method.

- Morphological analysis.

- Nominal group technique.

- Photo excursion.

- Pin card technique.

- Scenario writing.

- Synectics.

- Storyboarding.

2. Storyboarding

To set up a story board, cover part of a wall with cork or some other surface that will allow you to pin up cards with pushpins. Ideally, a story board should be between 4 x 4 and 4 x 8 feet. The first items to be pinned up on the story board are a 5 x 7 inch topic card - centered near the top of the story board. The topic card identifies the problem or objective under consideration. Under your topic card, from left to right, you’ll place cards called headers. On headers you’ll write down the general points, categories, considerations, etc. that will come up during your creative thinking session - these are the major ideas that need to be developed. On each story board you’ll also want to include a header labeled “Purpose” and at the far right, one labeled “Miscellaneous”. You may have many headers; you may have only a few - it depends on the size of the project. Use 4 x 6 inch cards for headers. Beneath each header, you’ll post subbers. Subbers are the ideas that fall under each header; they’re the detail ideas generated in the creative thinking session, ideas that develop and/or support the headers. Use 3 x 5 inch cards for your subbers.

3. Stimulating Idea - Finding (from Parnes)

- Be optimistic.

- Search for breadth as well as depth.

- Consider yourself a thinker.

- Develop a “honeybee” mind.

- Sharpen your nose for problems.

- Learn to play with ideas.

- Look for the “elegant” answer.

- Be alert for “hunches”.

- Be courageous and independent in thought.

- Continue to acquire knowledge.

- Be alert for the unexpected.

- State your problem carefully.

- Schedule practice sessions.

- Carry your “idea trap” with you.

- Use idea “banks” and “museums”.

- Relax your mind.

- Be enthusiastic and confident.

- Find the right time of day.

- Set a quota and a deadline.

- Don’t kid yourself with vague ideas.

- Sharpen all your senses.

- Exercise your imagination.

Assignment:

1. Select three work - related topics (problems) that might be used for a storyboarding session.

2. Discuss the technique for stimulating creative thinking assigned to you during online. Include at least one reference.

References:

1. 101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques by James M. Higgins, 1994.

2. Doubling Idea Power by Parnes, 1975.