Can You Become More Creative?

So much is written about Creative People and even more about the Creative Process.  Obviously in design engineering, Innovative Thinking (Creativity) is absolutely essential.  So that brings up the important question:  Can you become more creative?

Some people say creativity a gift, others say it is the stroke of genius in a moment.  Still others say you can learn to be creative if you follow certain steps.  And, of course, there is the "Buy my book and you will instantly be creative" sales pitch too.  (Don't worry, we are not selling anything here.)  All these perspectives have a foundation in observation and experimentation.  Yet, this is such an interesting topic - please chime in.

Innovation starts with Creativity, and from a business standpoint, it becomes really important.  For a growing company, innovation isa best business strategy.

Creative Environments

There are many things that spark creativity.  The old adage about "...the Mother of Invention" (fill in the blank).  Often it is the moment in considering the solution to a problem.  Those are great, of course.  Then there are accidental creative moments like the genesis of the microwave oven.  Sure, the impromptu creative environments are awesome, but it is really hard to plan for those.

What about planning to be creative?  Setting the stage for creativity?  That is possible too, so here are some things to consider.  Find environments that spark the creative in you ...and it is different for different people, but here are some common threads.

1. Times and Placeswhen you are well rested, calm, and thinking clearly.
2. Quiettime, without distraction, and with fewer pressures.
3. Activities, Events or Competitionsthat stimulate creativity ...likeGoCode, or thisScience Class.
4. And if you can, think about it in theMidst of Frustrationwhen you need a solution.

Some people have their special places or moods for creating.  But, most often, the stroke of genius just comes.  It does not often happen very well when we force it, so take the time to let your mind wander.  Don't worry, it won't get lost.

Then there is the negative side.  Whether you believe the "Nature" or the "Nurture" philosophies, there are some specific things that almost always crush creativity.  Avoid these things in your environment, for a more conducive atmosphere:

1. Commotion- loud, busy, demanding, captivating situations.  (Whether it is hustle and bustle, tight deadlines, Video Games or even Movies.)
2. Contention- anger and frustration directed at people are not usually the stimulants for creativity.
3. Worry- when your mind is preoccupied by demands or worry or stressful situations.

Let Your Mind Wander

The easiest stimulation for creativity is problem solving.  Let your mind wander to all sorts of crazy places thinking about things that you do not usually prefer, or things that need improvement, or things that make you frustrated.  (Note, Use "things", not the frustrating "people" for stimulation.)

Just like talents with music or art or mathematics, creativity may well be a bias in our DNA, but also just like music or art or mathematics, even those that do not have a natural talent can learn it.

No, creativity is not usually a subject to teach it in school - like music or mathematics, but there are many opportunities all around to learn and practice.  I personally think this is one area where the economics of plenty are truly manifest - there are always more good ideas.

Let your mind wander, and keep it wandering - and wondering!  When you come up with one solution, keep on thinking of more.  The first ideas may be the best, but usually not.  Keep wandering to other ideas, or mutations of the things you are already thinking about.

Another proven technique for creativity is a focused group - especially when focused on a goal.  Whether that be in aSprint environmentor further along the process in adesign reviewprocess.  Capture the opportunities for asking key questions.

The Creative Stimulus

To make a point, I will talk a moment about experience.  If it sounds like bragging, I am sorry.  I do not know how to use the experiences without talking about the experiences.

Through my work I have had the privilege of being in the right place with the right stimulus so many times.  As of this writing, there are over80 patentsI have had the honor of contributing to.   For me, the greatest stimulus is problems that need to be solved.  I could never come up with an idea like the Pet Rock, but give me a problem, and I will likely come up with several possible solutions.

The recipe is pretty simple.

1. What is the problem?  Is it actually more than one problem?  Or can it be divided into smaller problems?
2. Why is it a problem?
3. How would things be different if this problem did not exist?  (Think about this one deeply, because the solution is often found in understanding how things would be if the problem was already solved.)
4. What is/are the goal(s) in solving the problem?  (Again, focus on the time after the solution.)
5. What have I seen that is similar?
6. What are the contributors to the problem?  (Almost no problem exists in a vacuum.  There are always contributors.)
7. If I could have anything, what would I use to solve it?
8. Now, boil it down with what are the resources available?
9. Find at least 3 solutions, hopefully of varying degrees of complication and feasibility.  One might be having Superman do something, but once you can see a solution, it becomes easier to bring practical possibilities into focus.
10. Use awhiteboardor scratch paper to capture the ideas.  (More than once someone sitting next to me on an airplane has asked what the crazy sketches are on my notepad.  They look like a pencil gone dancing, but to me, they are capturing every creative thought.)
11. Sleep on it.  Do not go with the first idea until your mind has had a chance to contemplate it in the background.

Those are some off the steps and tricks I use.  For me, they are proven.  However, every brain works different, so find the triggers that work for you.  As you practice, the creative thoughts will come easier.

What Do You Think About Creativity?

Please use the comments section below this article (or theContact Pageif you prefer) to give your opinion about "Creativity".  Do you think it is a natural talent that some people are just born with?  Or do you think it is a process we can learn?  Maybe you think being creative is a combination of some things?  Or is it all just "Left Brain" / "Right Brain" bias?

Here is a test forLeft and Right brain biasif you want it.

Like music, art or athletics, I believe Creative Thinking is a talent which some people just naturally do better with.  Yet, I also believe, like with music or athletics, anyone with a will to practice can become better.  Those with a gift may always be the stars, but that does not mean the rest of us can't enjoy a successful round of creative thinking, or a beautiful overture of brilliance.

Obviously we do not really know that much about how the brain works.  But, please take a minute to share your experience and opinions.  Becoming more creative is a fascinating topic worth more thought and discussion.  Thank You.