Creativity Problem Solving

ByDr. Vijay Kr Khurana

Problem SolvingProblem solving is a mental process which is the concluding part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem shaping where problem is defined as a state of desire for the reaching of a definite goal from a present condition that either is not directly moving toward the goal, is far from it or needs more complex logic for finding a missing description of conditions or steps toward the goal.Problem solving has been defined as a higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills

Problem SolvingProblem-solving techniquesThese techniques are usually called problem solving strategies. Some of these are: Abstraction: solving the problem in a model of the system before applying it to the real systemAnalogy: using a solution that solved an analogous problemBrainstorming: (especially by using groups of people) suggesting a large number of solutions or ideas and combining and developing them until an optimum solution is found

Problem SolvingProblem-solving techniques .. Contd Lateral thinking: approaching solutions indirectly and creativelyFractionalization / Divide and conquer: breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, solvable problemsHypothesis testing: assuming a possible explanation to the problem and trying to prove (or, in some contexts, disprove) the assumptionMeans-ends analysis: choosing an action at each step to move closer to the goal

Problem SolvingProblem-solving techniques .. Contd Morphological analysis: assessing the output and interactions of an entire systemReduction: transforming the problem into another problem for which solutions existResearch: employing existing ideas or adapting existing solutions to similar problems

Problem SolvingProblem-solving techniques .. Contd

Root cause analysis: eliminating the cause of the problemTrial-and-error: testing possible solutions until the right one is foundProof: try to prove that the problem cannot be solved. The point where the proof fails will be the starting point for solving it

What is Creative Problem Solving Approach

What is Creative Problem Solving ApproachProblem solving usually involves application of logic and / or skills for finding solution on the plane of known / existing knowledge as under:Done by further investigations Done by improved skill capability Pursued path may be complex but it is still on the same plane (perhaps expanding the plane somewhat / slightly)

What is Creative Problem Solving ApproachSometimes logic and / or skills may be applied to the expanded plane of knowldege by expanding it as under:Acquisition of information along a path that fits with current reasoning As normal scientific work

What is Creative Problem Solving ApproachHowever what to do when the plane of knowledge has been totally searched and logically expanded and the problem is still not solved? This calls for creative problem solving approach. Creative Problem Solving is a method for approaching a problem or a challenge in an imaginative and innovative way.It is a special form of problem solving in which the solution is independently created rather than learned with assistance.Creative problem solving always involves creativity.Creative problem solving is a part of overall problem solving

What is Creative Problem Solving ApproachCategories of Creative Problem Solving Techniques Creativity techniques designed to shift a person's mental state into one that fosters creativity.. Viz. One such popular technique is to take a break and relax or sleep after intensively trying to think of a solution.Creativity techniques designed to reframe the problem. . Viz, reconsidering one's goals by asking "What am I really trying to accomplish?" can lead to useful insights.

What is Creative Problem Solving ApproachCategories of Creative Problem Solving Techniques 3.Creativity techniques designed to increase the quantity of fresh ideas. ..This approach is based on the belief that a larger number of ideas increase the chances that one of them has value. 4.Creative-problem-solving techniques designed to efficiently lead to a fresh perspective that causes a solution to become obvious.. This category is useful for solving especially challenging problems.

What is Creative Problem Solving ApproachSome examples of the creative problem solving techniques / approaches are as under:TRIZ, which is also known as Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TIPS), was developed by Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues -This method is designed to foster the creation and development of patentable inventions, but is also useful for creating non-product solutions.Mind mapping is a creativity technique that both reframes the situation and fosters creativity.Brainstorming is a group activity designed to increase the quantity of fresh ideas..Edward De Bonos concept of lateral thinking

What is Creative Problem Solving ApproachContdTechniques/ approaches:v) Dismantling or fractionalisation of problem into parts A big problem may be difficult to diagnose and deal. However its complexility can be reduced by dimantling / fractionalizing it into smaller parts. Focus on smaller parts may help in thinking up ideas for problem solving thus facilitating creativity. vi)Reversal of Problem (By turning it around viz. inside-out, upside-down or back to front) - This approach helps in thinking up ideas from opposite / different prespective and thus helps in finding new or different ideas for problem solving.

What is Creative Problem Solving ProcessThe Creative Problem Solving Process (CPS), also known as the Osborn-Parnes CPS process, was developed by Alex Osborn and Dr. Sidney J. Parnes in the 1950s.Osborn-Parnes CPS process is different from other "creative problem solving" methods that it uses both divergent and convergent thinking during each process step, and not just when generating ideas to solve the problem. Each step begins with divergent thinking, a broad search for many alternatives. This is followed by convergent thinking, the process of evaluating and selecting.Thus CPS is a structured method for generating novel and useful solutions to problems. It is flexible process as well. CPS follows three process stages, which match a person's natural creative process, and six explicit steps.

What is Creative Problem Solving Process

What is Creative Problem Solving Process Explore the Challenge a).OF - Objective Finding - Identify Goal, Wish or Challenge.It might be the initial dissatisfaction or a desire that opens the door to using the CPS process. b).FF -Fact Finding - Gather Data Assess and review all the data that pertains to the situation at hand. Whos involved, whats involved, when, where, and why its important. Make a list of the facts and information, as well as the more visceral hunches, feelings, perceptions, assumptions and gossips around the situation. In this step, all the relevant data is collected & taken into consideration to review the objective and begin to innovate.

What is Creative Problem Solving Process c). PF - Problem Finding - Clarify the Problem In this step, we explore the facts and data to find all the problems and challenges inherent in the situation, and all the opportunities they represent. This is about making sure that we are focusing on the right problem. It is possible to come up with the right answer to the wrong problem. Re-define what we want or whats stopping us.

What is Creative Problem Solving Process Generate Ideas d. )IF - Idea Finding -Generating ideas is much more than brainstorming. During this step, be vigilant about deferring judgment and coming up with wild, outrageous, out-of-the-box ideas. This is where you explore ideas that are possible solutions. Its also where you need to stretch to make connections, take risks, and try new combinations to find potentially innovative solutions.

What is Creative Problem Solving Process 3. Prepare for Actione). SF - Solution Finding Select and Strengthen Solutions First, try to strengthen and improve the best ideas generated. Next, generate the criteria that needs to be considered to evaluate the ideas for success. Apply that criteria to the good ideas and decide which are most likely to solve the redefined problem. The best idea needs to meet criteria that makes it actionable before it becomes the solution. A creative idea is not really useful if it could not be implemented.

What is Creative Problem Solving Process f).AF - Acceptance Finding In this step, look at whos responsible, what has to be done by when, and what resources are available in order to realize this idea as a full-fledged, activated solution.

Creativity Problem Solving

ByDr. Vijay Kr Khurana

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