1. Designing Elegant Problems
© Sandra I. Kay, Ed.D.
Kay, S. I. (2016) Serious Play with Elegant Problems, p invited contribution to Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the aRts Serious Play: Perspectives on Art
Education, Ministry of Education, 2 Malan Road, Singapore,
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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. To share examples of Elegant Problem(s) -
Thank you.