Techniques of Creative Problem Solving

Contents Introduction Techniques of creative problem solving Problem Decomposition Information Search Breaking Stereotyped response Unblocking Mutual Stimulation Imaging Fusing Ideating Exteremisation and dialectical Brainstorming Morphological Analysis

Introduction Creative problem solving is the mental process of creating a solution to a problem. 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.

Techniques of creative problem solving There are various techniques which are used in producing novel ideas and solutions. These brainstorming, attributes grafting, morphological analysis, questions checklist and synectics.

Cont… In one technique alternatives generated for a problem situation are all sought to be accommodated or integrated into a solution. In another technique, non-logical, unrelated stimuli are introduced into the problem-solving task. Another one involves idea generation contests. Once we understand the mechanics of how good ideas can be generated, there is virtually no limit to the designing of creativity techniques.

Brainstorming Brainstorming is used when solution is not in hand and the search is for alternative ways of achieving a goal or doing something. Brainstorming is not useful as a technique where the problem has a unique solution that can be reached by analysis. It is not very effective for complex and multi-dimensional problems. How to motivate salesman, or how to improve product quality or how to improve the image of the organizations.

Principles of brainstorming Some researchers have indicated that individuals, when brainstorming alone, tend to outperform a brain storming group both in terms of quality and quantity. Another interesting finding is that better ideas are generated in the second half of the session than in the first half. Experimental evidence also indicates that group that are exhorted to brainstorm end up generating larger number of creative ideas. Brainstorming is not very fruitful unless the topic selected for brainstorming is specific. Brainstorming is not useful as a technique where the problem has unique solution that can be reached by analysis.

Process of Brainstorming Brainstorming leads to many ideas. After these ideas are generated, it is usually necessary to identify a few of the better ideas for more intensive investigation. It may be useful to formalize the criteria for assessing the potential of the ideas generated before the ideas are voted upon. Any system of voting will do to get a smaller number of high potential ideas. It may be useful to form task forces for developing and refining each idea. Finally the steps that are required to execute the idea or innovation. This also extends the practical relevance of brainstorming as a technique.

Synectics Synectics is very useful when the problem is truly complex with no simple solutions in sight. It is aimed at producing ‘essence creativity’. But it is difficult technique to practice in the absence of expert help. Breakthrough fills this gap especially in complex, multi-dimensional management problems in which simplistic solutions have not worked well. Synectics has been used effectively in complex technical problems where a very fresh or original, scientific discovery type solution is required. It works best not when potential solutions are many but when they are few but difficult to identify.

Attributes Changing Attributes changing is a useful technique for designing or redesigning a specific product or service or activity. The technique was developed by Robert Crawford. According to him, much creativity arises from changing the attributes of a thing. In attributes changing, the attempt is made first to list the basic but modifiable attributes or properties or specifications of the item.

Principles of Attributes Changing Creation is not inspiration alone – it is largely adaptation and experimentation. Creation is not just mechanically combining different products or ideas. In trying to modify the current attributes of a thing, it is desirable to search for concrete alternatives. Creativity can be systematized by looking first for closely – related substitutes of the current attributes. Creativity is not just stealing of ideas.

Morphological Analysis Morphological Analysis is a variant of attributes changing. This technique was developed by Dr Zwicky. The basic idea is that if one identifies several alternatives for each critical modifiable attributes as in attributes changing. Morphological analysis can be compared to business process reengineering wherein the existing system is overhauled. So the implications of morphological analysis have far reaching effects. Dissemination of daily news.

Cont… Basically the principle is to breaking down the problem into smaller bits and seeing what can be done to ensure that all possible aspects are covered. Once the dimensions of the product or the problem has been identified it is suggested to list attributes under each dimension and then take the combination of attributes as stimuli for new ideas finally leading to innovation around a product.

Breaking Stereotyped response A Stereotype is a general perception made from first impressions. Stereotype often leads to false impression and blockage in one’s thinking. Breaking Stereotyped response would give rise to various new ideas.

Problem Decomposition A problem-solving approach in which operators are used to change a single problem into several sub problems. Which are usually easier to solve. By decomposition a large problem into smaller sub problem we hope to master its complexity. The smaller sub problem should be simpler than the larger problem.

Information Search Studies of information search typically use process tracing approaches . Which examine patterns of search from information selection on information boards, eye-movements, or retrospective or concurrent verbal reports, and use this data to come to conclusions about information search as well as information use in decision making. Amount and consistency of information search is considered to be indicative of use of a compensatory or non-compensatory strategy

Cont… The Information Search Process (ISP) is a six-stage process of information seeking behavior. Stage 1: Initiation Stage 2: Selection Stage 3: Exploration Stage 4: Formulation Stage 5: Collection Stage 6: Search Closure

Unblocking Unblocking refers to: To be free from being blocked of ideas. To remove or clear an obstruction from idea generating process. To clear a path or be free from something to give or create new ideas.

Ideating Ideating is a technique of creativity. It is basically generation of a large number of ideas through different ways, the most common being brainstorming.

Extermization Extermination is a technique of creativity in which one has to imagine and understand what would happen if one or some of the key assumptions are changed or removed or neglected.

Imaging Imaging is an interesting technique for generating creative solutions. The basic principle is that it evokes memories and experiences, which then can be combined in novel ways. Imaging can make people more creative towards problem solving.

Fusioning Fusioning is generally the use of techniques that combine ideas from multiple sources. This will be more efficient and narrowly tailored than if they were achieved by means of disparate sources. Fusion of the ideas from 2 sources (dimension #1 & #2) can yield solutions and ideas.

Cont… This involves combining two or more unrelated things to come up with something new. This could involve thinking from two different perspectives and combining the thoughts or identifying the traits of something and transferring it onto something else.

When of Creativity Techniques After discussing in detail different creativity techniques, the next which should be used when. When there is a solution in hand, the most useful techniques are: Attributes changing Morphological analysis Questions checklist These techniques are primarily oriented towards creative modifications. They are aimed at ‘elaborative creativity’.

Using Creativity Techniques In using creativity techniques, therefore the focus should be not just on the ‘how it works’ aspects. But also on its modifiability and on why it works. Armed with the knowledge of why a technique works the way it does, the technique can be modified and custom-tailored to the needs of the organizational situation. Finally techniques of creativity typically yield fresh ideas