Creative Process
Prepare
→Incubate
→Illuminate
→Verify
In This Article
Introduction
Creative thinking is the ability to generate novel and useful ideas. Contrary to popular belief, creativity is not a fixed trait—it's a skill that can be developed. Creative thinking is essential for innovation, problem-solving, and competitive advantage.
The Creative Process (Wallas Model)
- Preparation: Gather information, define the problem
- Incubation: Let ideas simmer unconsciously
- Illumination: The "aha" moment—insight emerges
- Verification: Evaluate and refine the idea
Key Insight: The incubation stage is crucial. Many breakthroughs come after stepping away from a problem. Take breaks, sleep on it, do something different.
Creative Thinking Techniques
Brainstorming
- Quantity over quality initially
- No criticism during ideation
- Build on others' ideas
- Wild ideas welcome
SCAMPER
| Letter | Action | Question |
|---|---|---|
| S | Substitute | What can be replaced? |
| C | Combine | What can be merged? |
| A | Adapt | What can be adjusted? |
| M | Modify/Magnify | What can be changed in size/shape? |
| P | Put to other use | What else can it be used for? |
| E | Eliminate | What can be removed? |
| R | Reverse/Rearrange | What if we flip or reorder? |
Lateral Thinking (De Bono)
- Challenge assumptions
- Random entry: Use random word as stimulus
- Provocation: "What if..." statements
- Six Thinking Hats: Different perspectives
Mind Mapping
- Central idea in middle
- Branch out with related concepts
- Use colors and images
- Make connections between branches
Overcoming Barriers to Creativity
- Fear of failure: Reframe failure as learning
- Self-censorship: Defer judgment during ideation
- Functional fixedness: See things only by usual function
- Mental set: Using familiar solutions for new problems
- Conformity pressure: Fear of being different
- Expertise trap: "We've always done it this way"
Creating the Right Environment
- Psychological safety: Safe to share wild ideas
- Diverse perspectives: Different backgrounds spark ideas
- Time and space: Allow for incubation
- Playfulness: Lighten the mood
- Constraints: Paradoxically, some limits boost creativity
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Creativity is a learnable skill, not a fixed trait
- Four stages: Preparation → Incubation → Illumination → Verification
- SCAMPER: Systematic prompts for new ideas
- Lateral thinking: Challenge assumptions, use random stimuli
- Defer judgment during brainstorming
- Overcome barriers: fear, self-censorship, functional fixedness
- Create psychologically safe environment for ideas