Breakthrough Thinking

A practical workshop to introduce the skills that support creative and innovative thinking
RSVP Design Ltd 1/05/2008

Workshop Objectives

To understand the difference between creativity and innovation To recognise the stages in an innovation process To practise a range of creative thinking techniques To apply creative and innovative thinking skills in practical problem-solving To practise coaching for innovation To apply the learning to a real-life example

Creativity in its fullest sense involves both generating an idea and manifesting it: making something happen as a result

Defining creativity to include application throws it into a new light: it becomes innovation. It involves 4 stages: Preparation, Incubation, Illumination and Verification

Techniques to encourage innovation

There are a wide range of techniques and thinking tools that support innovation and build your skills. Our focus for this workshop is on the tools that encourage applied creative thinking

Innovation tools and techniques

There are many different tools that may be useful in innovation: you may have heard of some. Examples are Fishbone Diagrams, Force Field Analysis, +/-/Interesting, ALU (Advantages, Liabilities, Unique features), De Bonos 6 Thinking Hats, Mind Mapping We are going to concentrate on Creative Thinking tools and techniques that are fun, interesting and easy to practise.

Innovation tools and techniques

There are many techniques available to help at different stages in the innovation process Recognise what type of thinking you need to apply and choose an appropriate tool Use individual thinking preferences to ensure the right people work on the right part of the process Conflict can be creative: value difference and diversity and dont block bizarre contributions

Breaking existing patterns

Look at the optical illusions on the pictures around the room Notice what happens and how our brains see things that may not exist Be aware of how outside influences can change how we perceive things

Breaking existing patterns

In a small group, attempt to solve the Arrowhead puzzle Be aware of your actions and thoughts as you work on the problem Notice what kind of thinking helps your progress and what blocks progress

Breaking existing patterns

The first step in achieving innovation is to recognise existing patterns of thinking Existing patterns inform our thinking as we move into new situations Positive assumptions can be helpful: negative ones can block new approaches

Problem Identification

A well-defined problem is a problem already half-solved

Creating New Connections

One of the key aspects of creativity is seeing new and unusual connections between things that already exist.

Creating New Connections

Look for new connections by seeing things in a different way Change the way your refer to something: change your language and notice if your perception changes Seek common features in order to create new ideas: This is like..These are the same in this way

Using visual imagery

Using pictures and images accesses different parts of your brain Using imagery and metaphor can enable you to see things differently Working in metaphor can take you outside the problem and enables you to bring in a wider range of ideas that, at first sight, might not seem relevant to the solution you seek

Creativity in teams: developing ideas

Teams can be more creative than individuals. Use other people to bounce ideas and stimulate new directions!

Thinking through an innovation

Different types of thinking help us at different stages in the innovation process. We need them all!

Thinking through an innovation

There are usually a series of stages in innovation. Each needs a different type of thinking.

Identification and definition of problem or opportunity Goal-setting, success criteria Generation of ideas/options Evaluation and selection of ideas Testing and gathering feedback Implementation and evaluation

Thinking through an innovation

What kind of thinking is most appropriate to each stage in the process?

Coaching for innovation

One aspect of coaching is that it allows an individual to develop their own ideas with support from someone else. Coaching can be of huge value in building confidence and skills in innovative thinking.

Our Problem, Worlds Problem..

What is the problem or opportunity that is causing us to want to innovate? Where else in the world has a similar problem existed and been successfully tackled? What were the features of the successful solution? How can we apply these features to our own solution?

Application Task

Identify, from within your working group, one real-life example of a situation in which innovative thinking would be of benefit. Work together to apply any of the principles and techniques we have worked on to create at least three possible innovations for consideration.

Conclusion

Creativity is part of the overall innovation process. Everyone has the potential to be more creative. Practise using creative thinking techniques to engage the creative part of your brain. Recognise how and where you best contribute to team innovation and surround yourself with others who balance your skills. Most of all, enjoy the fun of thinking in different ways!