Creativity is a simple process
… of combining things
.
For example:
The artist that paints a masterpiece is merely combining existing colors in a new way.
The author that writes a best seller is merely combining existing letters/themes/thinking in a new way.
The composer that writes the latest hit on the radio is merely combining existing notes in a new way.
The philosopher . . .
The architect . . .
The sculptor . . . you get the idea.
Muxy’s definition of creativity: Creativity is merely the process of combining things in new and original ways.
“Unlike the creative skills of an artist or a musician, creative thinking is something that can be learned”
Let’s go back for a moment to our Random Starting Point (RSP) examples in the previous lesson 2:
Reductions on the roads
We combined:
- Needs for safety, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility;
- Traffic intersections; and
- Modern computer technology.
The result: SMART INTERSECTIONS
.
Sink or swim
We combined:
- An urgent need to stop the boat from sinking; and
- Two pillows and a bedsheet (random materials on hand).
The result: A CLEVER INNOVATION TO PLUG THE HOLE IN THE BOAT
.
AN ADDITIONAL THOUGHT ON THIS SUBJECT
The combining of just “ideas” is rather limiting. Creativity has no boundaries. Think of “ideas” in a broad sense. You can combine projects, or people, or businesses, or . . .
– – – – –
TAKEAWAY:
Creativity is merely our ability to combine existing things in new ways.
Lateral thinking disrupts blinkered thinking to allow your natural creativity to flow.
NEXT Lesson:
A more targeted (& more powerful) disruptive strategy:
Alternative Perspectives
Michael Muxworthy - Lateral Thinking Author of Fiction 