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Innovation Management FoundationsCourse No. 101 – Creative Problem Solving Concepts
Presented By:Think For A Change, LLC.
• Little to no experience with:• Formal creative problem solving concepts, tools and/or techniques• Idea management concepts• Innovation management concepts
• Frustrated with:• The amount of time wasted solving the wrong problem• The same old ideas or solutions that don’t really solve the problem• Ineffective and inefficient brainstorming sessions• Ideas that get wasted• Ideas that go nowhere
Target Student Audience:Course 101 – Creative Problem Solving Concepts
• At the conclusion of this training, the student should have:• A solid understanding of basic creative problem solving concepts• An ability to utilize a number of tools and techniques for creatively
resolving problems
• Think of more than 3-6 alternatives to any given solution
Course Objectives:Course 101 – Creative Problem Solving Concepts
“The average adult thinks of 3-6 alternatives to any given solution.
The average child thinks of 60!”
Course 101 – Creative Problem Solving ConceptsCourse Syllabus:
The Creative Problem Solving Process Overview
Step-By-Step Review of The Creative Problem Solving Process
A Culture That Supports Creative Problem Solving
Review What You’ve Learned!
Segment One
Segment Two
Quiz
Segment Three
Segment Four
Tools and Techniques for Creative Problem Solving
The Creative Problem Solving Process Overview
Segment One
• Creative problem solving is the mental process of creating a solution to a problem.
• It is a special form of problem solving in which the solution is independently created rather than learned with assistance
• To qualify as creative problem solving the solution must either have value, clearly solve the stated problem, or be appreciated by someone for whom the situation improves
Definition:Creative Problem Solving
Creative problem solving always
involves creativity
Alternate labels include a challenge, an opportunity,
or a situation in which there is room for
improvement
Creative Problem Solving
• Creativity:• “The phenomenon
whereby a person creates something new (a product, a solution, a work of art, etc.) that has some kind of value”
• Innovation:• “The process of acting
upon, or putting to use, a new concept or combination of concepts that creates new value and/or captures value in new ways.”
Creativity vs. Innovation:
Creative Problem Solving
• Creativity:• “The phenomenon
whereby a person creates something new (a product, a solution, a work of art, etc.) that has some kind of value”
Spending Money to Generate Ideas
• Innovation:• “The process of acting
upon, or putting to use, a new concept or combination of concepts that creates new value and/or captures value in new ways.”
Spending Ideas to Generate Money
Creativity vs. Innovation:
• Developed by the genius Leonardo DaVinci in the 1500s
• Curiosity• Demonstration• Feeling• Gradient• Arts & Sciences• Politics• Connection
Creative Problem SolvingThe Historical Process:
• Developed by marketing and advertising professionals, Alex Osborn and Sydney Parnes in the early 1950s
• Problem Identification• Root Cause Analysis• Gather Information• Idea Generation• Solution Selection• Solution Testing• Solution Implementation• Feedback Loop
Creative Problem SolvingThe Traditional Process:
• Each organization typically develops a process that works within their specific environment, but the concepts usually flow in this order:
• Problem Identification• Idea Generation• Idea Management• Prototyping & Implementation• Validation
Creative Problem SolvingThe Current Process:
Creative Problem Solving
The process has changed very little over the centuries:• Find a problem• Make sure it’s the real problem and not just
a symptom of the problem• Dream up new ideas to solve the problem• Try out a few ideas/solutions• Make sure you solved the problem
Overview Summary:
Step-By-Step Review of The Creative Problem Solving Process
Segment Two
Creative Problem SolvingDetail – Problem Identification:
• The application of existing internal knowledge to an identified problem can also short-circuit the creative problem solving process.
• You or someone you know may have already solved this exact problem!
• Problem identification is perhaps the most important step in the entire process.
• Ensuring that you are working on the right problem saves you the wasted step of chasing smoke, when you should be fighting the fire.
Creative Problem SolvingDetail – Idea Generation:
• Idea generation is typically equated to “brainstorming” but it is (and should be) about so much more than that!
• Idea Generation is about divergent thinking, or in other words, thinking beyond what you think you already know
Creative Problem SolvingDetail – Idea Management:
• The concept of an “Idea Management System” is to provide a framework or process for ideas to move from conception to something tangible or real
• Approach now switches to convergent thinking
• Ideas at this stage are:• Solicited/Submitted• Grouped/Sorted• Reviewed/Analyzed• Selected
Creative Problem SolvingDetail – Prototype & Implement:
• As previously mentioned, you cannot have innovation without action
• It is also important to continuously solicit feedback on the effectiveness of the idea
• Ideas begin to undergo the physical transformation from concept to reality:
• Prototyping• Testing• Build/Construct• Release
Creative Problem Solving
The Creative Problem Solving Process is a logical progression that begins with a well-defined problem and concludes with a well-developed solution
The most important step in the process is ensuring you have identified the root cause of the problem
Idea generation is only one step in the process, contrary to common perception
Process Detail Segment Summary:
Tools and Techniques for Creative Problem Solving
Segment Three
• The most popular method for discovering the root cause of a problem is via the “5 Why’s” or “Question Ladder” approach
• Another very popular tool for problem identification is a cause-and-effort tool called an Ishikawa (or Fishbone) Diagram
Root Cause Analysis:Creative Problem Solving
• Idea Generation has a myriad of proven and effective tools and techniques:
• Individual or Group• Free Association or Forced
Relationships• Lateral Thinking or
Structured Analysis• Post-Its™ or Mind Maps• Brainstorming
Idea Generation Techniques:Creative Problem Solving
• Idea Generation has a myriad of proven and effective tools and techniques:
• Individual or Group• Free Association or Forced
Relationships• Lateral Thinking or
Structured Analysis• Post-Its™ or Mind Maps• Brainstorming
Idea Generation Techniques:Creative Problem Solving
• Idea Generation has a myriad of proven and effective tools and techniques:
• Individual or Group• Free Association or Forced
Relationships• Lateral Thinking or
Structured Analysis• Post-Its™ or Mind Maps• Brainstorming
Idea Generation Techniques:Creative Problem Solving
• “Rules of Brainstorming”:• Defer judgment• Build on the ideas of
others• Combine ideas• Quantity over quality• Ridiculous ideas are
encouraged• No idea can be debated
during the idea generation portion
Better Brainstorming:Creative Problem Solving
• Recent best practices in group idea generation:
• Individual “Brainwriting” should precede group “Brainstorming”
• Utilize SCAMPER technique to expand upon existing ideas
• Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other purposes, Eliminate and Reverse/Re-arrange
• Developing Worst Case Scenarios and doing the opposite
• Leveraging a popular role-playing exercise called “Super Competitor”
Better Brainstorming:Creative Problem Solving
• Regardless of the idea generation technique you employ:
• Each idea selected for further exploration must have an owner and a target date
• All ideas should be recorded and saved for potential future consideration
• Have fun!
Better Brainstorming:Creative Problem Solving
• Idea Management is easy!• At the end of Idea Generation you and your team need to pick some of the
ideas for further consideration• To make it easier to judge, organize similar ideas together into themes• Have everyone involved in the idea generation process vote on their 3-5
favorite ideas• Assign an owner and a deadline for each idea selected so the momentum
of the idea generation carries forward into the next stage• Preliminary feasibility and cost/benefit analysis can be done at this point,
but don’t let the quantitative overrule the qualitative at this point• There are some additional tools, techniques and processes to help
add efficiency to your Idea Management activities…
Idea Management Systems:Creative Problem Solving
• Idea Management Systems come in many forms:
• Manual processes• Electronic workflow tools• Software suites
Idea Management Systems:Creative Problem Solving
• Idea Management Systems come in many forms:
• Manual processes• Electronic workflow tools• Software suites
Idea Management Systems:Creative Problem Solving
• Idea Management Systems come in many forms:
• Manual processes• Electronic workflow tools• Software suites
Idea Management Systems:Creative Problem Solving
• Prototyping can be as simple as a drawing or as complicated as a full-scale mock-up
• Project management discipline is a great tool for executing the implementation of any effort
• But a simple checklist of tasks will also work
• Feedback is important to make sure the idea/solution is actually solving the problem
Prototyping & Implementation Tools:Creative Problem Solving
Creative Problem Solving
The creative problem solving process exists to help you move ideas forward
• Use what works…toss what doesn’tIdea generation is important, but don’t forget to
take some action too!Solicit feedback wherever and whenever you canConstantly ask two questions:
• “What is the real problem we are trying to solve?”• “Am I helping to solve the real problem?”
Tools & Techniques Segment Summary:
A Culture That Supports Creative Problem Solving
Segment Four
• Have Fun!• Keep an idea journal• Be curious• Be courageous• Take a risk• Daydream more often• Exercise your imagination• Find your creative “happy
place”• Figure out your peak period of
the day for creative flow
Tips for Enhancing Your Personal Creativity:Creative Problem Solving
• Ask more questions:• Why not?• What if?• What else?• How come?• How can we?
• Assign yourself an idea quota• Broaden your experiences
• Visit a museum, pick up a magazine you don’t typically read, watch the Science Channel
Tips for Increasing Your Idea Output:Creative Problem Solving
• Reduce your stress level and take a break if you’re overworked
• Steer clear of critical thinking• Say “Yes…and” rather than “Yes…
but”• Don’t push too hard
• It’s like grabbing a wet bar of soap!
• Don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions
Avoiding Barriers to CreativityCreative Problem Solving
• Take risks• Failure IS an option• Learn from failure• Search out problems to solve• Take ownership of problems• Be an “Idea Champion”• Break down silos and
connect with others• Encourage others
Support A Creative Culture:Creative Problem Solving
• Follow a process• Don’t over complicate it• Make sure you are solving
the right problem• Idea quantity is better than
idea quality• Make sure ideas have
owners and deadlines
• Did we mention…HAVE FUN!
Final ThoughtsCreative Problem Solving
Guess What?
You’re a Problem Solver!
Review What You’ve Learned!
Quiz
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 1:
• “Creativity” and “Innovation” mean the same thing.
TRUE or FALSE
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 1:
• “Creativity” and “Innovation” mean the same thing.
TRUE or FALSE
• FALSE!• Creativity = Thinking up
new ideas• Innovation = Taking action
on ideas
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 2:
• Put the Creative Problem Solving Process in the correct order:
A. Idea Management B. Idea Generation C. Prototype & Implement D. Problem Identification
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 2:
• Put the Creative Problem Solving Process in the correct order:
A. Idea Management B. Idea Generation C. Prototype & Implement D. Problem Identification
• The correct order is:• Problem Identification• Idea Generation• Idea Management• Prototype & Implement
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 3:
• Which of the following is NOT a typical tool or technique used during Idea Generation?:
A. Brainstorming B. Fishbone Diagram C. Mind Mapping D. Lateral Thinking
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 3:
• Which of the following is NOT a typical tool or technique used during Idea Generation?:
A. Brainstorming B. Fishbone Diagram C. Mind Mapping D. Lateral Thinking
• The correct answer is B:• Fishbone, or Ishikawa,
Diagrams are most often used in Root Cause Analysis, a process in the Problem Identification phase
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 4:
• Name two (2) behaviors and/or actions that support a culture of creative thinking
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 4:
• Name two (2) behaviors and/or actions that support a culture of creative thinking
You Are Correct If You Named Any Two (2) of the Following:
• Take risks• Failure IS an option• Learn from failure• Search out problems to solve• Take ownership of problems• Be an “Idea Champion”• Break down silos and connect with
others• Encourage others
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 5:
• What is the most important thing to remember when creative problem solving?:
Creative Problem SolvingQuiz – Question 5:
• What is the most important thing to remember when creative problem solving?:
HAVE FUN!
Innovation Management FoundationsCourse No. 101 – Creative Problem Solving Concepts
Presented By:Think For A Change, LLC.
Congratulations!
You have completed:
For more information on best/next practices, educational training, tools, techniques and process models for:
• Project Management• Innovation Management• Product Management• Leadership
Please visit: http://www.thinkforachange.com