Creative Thinking Techniques_01
We've been slow lately...which we both embrace. It gives us time to regroup, to set goals, figure out software and work on promotional pieces too. But it also gives me time to read. I'm re-reading ThinkerToys by Michael Michalko. It's a handbook that provides unconventional exercises for creatives when approaching problems.
I touched on this subject in an earlier post (Creative Biz Note #9). But I'm going to go into more depth on "creative thinking" in the next three Biz Notes. Going back over these techniques will help embed this information into my head and perhaps be an addition to your thinking process too.
We've been slow lately...which we both embrace. It gives us time to regroup, to set goals, figure out software and work on promotional pieces too. But it also gives me time to read. I'm re-reading ThinkerToys by Michael Michalko. It's a handbook that provides unconventional exercises for creatives when approaching problems.
I touched on this subject in an earlier post (Creative Biz Note #9). But I'm going to go into more depth on "creative thinking" in the next three Biz Notes. Going back over these techniques will help embed this information into my head and perhaps be an addition to your thinking process too.
Squeeze It--Squeeze the challenge by narrowing the objective. This approach can make the challenge much easier by reducing a general problem to being specific. Asking questions will help narrow the boundaries--WHO is involved? WHAT identifies all the elements involved? WHERE are the places or locations of the problem? WHEN? WHY? HOW can certain actions be taken?
Reverse It--Reversing the obvious or the assumed can be helpful. Basically, write down the opposite of every assumption and challenge it. e.g. Kids love toys. Reverse it--Kids have never seen a toy. Now go from there. This approach can create a completely different perspective and solution. Some of us most likely use this approach naturally. But when I concentrate on the reversal technique I find many solutions.
A Quick Story:
If you're like us, then you have about five side-projects going on! Sometimes it can be overwhelming to be creative!! LOL So, to keep organized, I went to Barnes & Noble and purchased four small black sketchbooks. I put our PixelBoy sticker on the front and labeled them according to project. I write, draw and tape thought provoking images into the pages. I even sleep with them--on the verge of sleeping I find that I come up with some weird stuff. Organizing my ideas into the appropriate sketchbook has helped me tremendously.
The idea:
Try to REALLY utilize these two techniques. I've actually printed out these steps, plus others (to come), and taped them to the wall to remind me to use them whenever I brainstorm.
Books to Read: ThinkerToys
Next Creative Biz Note #21---Creative Thinking techniques_02
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