New to Pickles And Doughnuts?
The "Island of Pickles and Doughnuts" is a metaphor for a life of habit and convention. It was originally used in my book The Power of Thinking Differently. You can learn more here: Interview | Book Excerpt
Creative Brainstorming: Ideation Example and The Importance of Agreement.
Through my research, I have found that there are some commonalities amongst all the “creative thinking techniques” I have found in various Thinking-Outside-The-Box or Lateral Thinking books.
These commonalities include going with the flow (i.e. free-associating without judgement), mixing and matching (combining old ideas in new ways), re-framing (finding a new way to express a problem or finding a new context in which to view it), random stimulation (using random input to inspire your creative epiphanies), and establishing a creative environment.
For example, I was randomly inspired to create this new post by my psychology lecture today. In class, I spoke about how all of these techniques can be seen in action in many comedy improv games. This lead me to post many comedy improv videos on my course webpage that you can also find below: read more…
Thinking Outside The Box of Chocolates – Creative Thinking Exercise
Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/27316384@N07
This valentine’s day, I posed the following question on Facebook that was meant to demonstrate how our ability to see alternatives and choices is often limited by our habitual thinking patterns:
On a stormy Valentine’s night you are driving down the road in your two-seat car when you pass by a bus stop and see three people waiting for the bus.
An old, fragile lady.
A close friend who once saved you from impending death.
The romantic partner you have been dreaming about all of your life.Knowing that there can only be one passenger in your car, whom would you choose?
If you need to find creative ideas, why go at it alone? If you’re looking to be creative you may want to add more people to your creative undertakings.
Creative ideas can most easily occur when you are collaborating with others in the right environment.
Studies show that creativity in groups flourishes most when people are in an environment where they can feel safe and comfortable. Imagine trying to share an idea and having it shot down with by the sharp tongue of a fellow collaborator. How would that make you feel? If you’re like most, it would probably make you feel insecure and not too enthusiastic about sharing your next idea.
However, collaboration in the right environment allows for the intersection of various perspectives and ideas. It is at this intersection where creative gold may be found. Just think, can’t most creative ideas be viewed as the intersection of old ideas that were previously never associated with one another?
Coffee + ice = ice coffee
In a recent article in the Kentucky Herald-Leader, the vocal group Take 6 attributes collaboration with others as a key to their creativity and longevity. read more…
