Learning Objectives:• To be able to apply simple strategies for promoting creative thinking.

We are learning this because:• We have established that creativity is a valuable skill to have and by learning these strategies they can help you to be imaginative and to look at things from different angles.

We will know if we have been successful if:• We can apply some of these strategies in some subjects.

How do we define creativity?

The characteristics of creativity always involve thinking or behaving imaginatively. Second, overall this imaginative activity is purposeful: that is, it is directed to achieving an objective. Third, these processes must generate something original. Fourth, the outcome must be of value in relation to the objective.

SCAMPER• Substitute What else instead? Who else instead? Other ingredients? Other material?

Other power? Other place?

• Combine How about a blend, an alloy, an ensemble? Combine purposes? Combine

appeals?

• Adapt What else is like this? What other idea does this suggest? Does past offer parallel? What could I copy?

• Minify Order, form, shape? What to add? More time?

Magnify Greater frequency? Higher? Longer? Thicker?

• Put to other uses New ways to use as is? Other uses modified? Other places to use?

Other people to reach?

• Eliminate What to subtract? Smaller? Condensed? Miniature? Lower? Shorter? Lighter? Omit? Streamline? Understate?

• Reverse Interchange components? Other pattern?

Rearrange Other layout? Other sequence? How about opposites? Turn it backward?

Turn it upside-down? Reverse roles?

Imagine that you want to create a new lamp. The starting point for this might be to carry out a morphological analysis. Properties of a lamp might be power supply, bulb type, light intensity, size, style, finish, material, shade, etc.

You can set these out as column headings on a table, and then brainstorm variations:

Morphological analysis

Morphological analysis

Looking at problems with a different perspective – The 4 Ps

Question

Random input

To use Random Input, select a random noun from either a dictionary or a pre-prepared word list. It often helps if the noun is something that can be seen or touched (e.g. 'helicopter', 'dog') rather than a concept (e.g. 'fairness'). Use this noun as the starting point for brainstorming your problem.

You may find that you get good insights if you select a word from a separate field in which you have some expertise.

If you choose a good word, you will add a range of new ideas and concepts to your brainstorming. While some will be useless, hopefully you will gain some good new insights into your problem. If you persist, then at least one of these is likely to be a startling creative leap

If designing a phone and you wanted to be original. Imagine what ideas you could come up with if you randomly selected an image of an iguana to change your way of thinking.

Designers pick randomly from pictures of micro-organisms that are face down. They then use these as starting points for new designs.