Designing Elegant Problems © Sandra I. Kay, Ed.D. skayelegantproblem@gmail.com Kay, S. I. (2016) Serious Play with Elegant Problems, p. 112-115 invited contribution to Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the aRts Serious Play: Perspectives on Art Education, Ministry of Education, 2 Malan Road, Singapore, 109433 Kay, S. I. (2013) Designing Elegant Problems for Creative Thinking, In F. Reisman (Ed.) Creativity: Process, Product, Personality, Environment & Technology, pp.28- 36, KIE Conference Book Series, 2013 International Conference on Knowledge, Innovation & Enterprise, Cambridge, England. Kay, S.I. (1998). The choice to shape problems for visual thinking. In J. Simpson, J. M. Delaney, M. S. Kerlavage, K. L. Carroll, J. L. Olson, S. Kay, & C.M. Hamilton: Creating meaning in art: Teacher as choicemaker, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

The ability to appreciate the beauty of a solution has been noted by scientists, mathematicians and artists. The term ‘elegant solution’ is found across disciplines and time to describe the epitome of creative thought.

As an educator I thought: If I want my students to learn to strive for elegant solutions, then my role is to provide elegant problems

What is an Elegant Problem? An Elegant Problem provides: Potential for elegant solutions + Fluency of responses: It applies broadly, generating many answers. Flexibility of problem space: It applies pervasively, appealing across age span, ability, cultures, conceptual sophistication, expertise. Room for elaboration: All levels of engagement from disinterest to inspiration can be satisfied. Opportunities for original answers: Sets an environment for novel, inventive explorations. Permits problem interpretation. Exercises the imagination. Invites personal aesthetic inquiry. A worthiness factor: Of value, personally and fundamentally relevant and meaningful Potential for elegant solutions

A bit more on Worthiness/Value: Addresses issues fundamental to the field of inquiry (e.g. technical, intellectual importance) Personally meaningful Bridge between and across realms of meaning - reveals similarities and contrast. Makes connections, transfers to other knowledge domains. Fascinates. Stimulates curiosity and a sense of wonder. For more information, see references listed on first slide.

To share examples of Elegant Problem(s) - skayelegantproblem@gmail.com Thank you.