Advanced Creative Thinking and AI: Tools for Success from Coursera

Creativity is important in nearly every facet of life. Advances in neuro-science, computing and psychology, along with developments in other domains and cross-disciplinary areas have resulted in ever increasing understanding of creativity. This module will explore some advanced approaches to creativity such as the use of analogy and metaphor, various thinking styles and the role of artificial intelligence. A framework called the creativity diamond is used to guide the selection of approach to creativity relevant to your project or activity.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Biomimicry and using insights from nature

• Use of analogy and metaphor in creativity

• A range of creative thinking and reasoning approaches

• The use of AI to generate creative outcomes

• Attributes of creativity and their assessment

• Use of the creativity diamond

SKILLS YOU WILL GAIN

• Biomimicry

• Use of analogy and metaphor in creativity

• Accelerated proficiency in creative thinking styles

• Use of some AI enabled platforms to generate outputs

• Creativity assessment

• Use of the creativity diamond in practice to aid in the selection of an approach to creativity relevant to your project or activity

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1

Inspiration for ideas can be leveraged from other domains such as nature. Biomimicry, also known as biomimetics, is the practice that uses insights from nature to inspire solutions. The aim in biomimicry is to produce solutions that are based on biological processes and strike a balance with nature. This week we will explore the principles of biomimicry, look at some case studies that are based on inspiration from nature, as well as applying some of the principles in examples.

Week 2

The use of analogy and metaphor in creative thinking is an advanced skill. An analogy concerns relation between one item or concept and another. The use of analogies can enable transfer of ideas from one domain to another and is used in tools such as smart little people and biomimicry. Metaphors involve describing something using terms that are not normally associated with standard definitions and can provide powerful provocations for creativity. This week we will look at both analogy and metaphor and their use in creativity.

Week 3

There are many thinking styles which can be helpful in creativity. We will focus on the principles as well as application of a variety of thinking approaches that can be used at both an individual level and in a group, under various professional and personal situations, allowing you to develop competency and accelerate proficiency in the use of some different thinking styles.

Week 4

Study of the ways that designers operate has provided important insights for creativity and innovation. The term design thinking has emerged as a way of accessing some of the approaches that designers use. Design thinking is promoted as a process that can help generate products, services and systems with the needs of users and principal stakeholders at the centre. Through processes including discovery, looking at the broader context, envisioning and questioning, experimentation, feedback and integration, design thinking provides an approach to provide solutions that actually address the user, and may even offer a solution for a broader set of people. This week we will explore some of the principal facets of design thinking, look at some case studies and explore insights from a couple of applications.

Week 5

Artificial intelligence (AI) is seemingly everywhere, in our gadgets, in the systems used for the web, in our cars and it’s in our homes and buildings too. We expect AI to become even more ubiquitous in the operation of smart cities, our homes and in content generation for music, film and writing. In essence, AI is a system, normally embodied in software, that makes autonomous decisions. Many developments in AI mimic aspects of human intelligence including learning, reasoning, problem solving, understanding language and perception of situations and environments. This week we will look at some of the fundamentals of AI, discuss some of the issues relevant to AI and creativity and explore some examples of the use of AI to generate outcomes.

Week 6

Over the three modules you have learned about some of the fundamentals of creativity along with several approaches to creativity and tools to augment innate creativity. This week we will look at the use of the creativity diamond in practice to aid in the selection of approach to creativity relevant to your project or activity.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores principles of biomimicry, which is standard in several industry sectors

Addresses creative thinking styles, which are core skills for designers and strategists

Addresses use of analogy and metaphor, which are core skills in industries such as art, design, and writing

Addresses design thinking, which is a widely recognized methodology in product and service innovation

Provides use cases for AI in creative industries, which are nascent but have strong potential

Introduces concept of creativity diamond framework, which can be used by students to gauge their own creativity

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Creative Thinking and AI: Tools for Success with these activities:

Review key concepts from previous courses related to creativity

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Refreshes prior knowledge in preparation for the course, ensuring a smooth transition.

Browse courses on Creativity

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Review notes or textbooks from previous courses.
Complete a short online quiz or practice exercise.

Review fundamental concepts of problem-solving

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Strengthens the foundation for creativity by revisiting essential problem-solving techniques.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Read an article or blog post on problem-solving.
Complete a practice problem-solving exercise.

Read 'Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature' by Janine Benyus

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Introduces key concepts of biomimicry, providing a foundation for understanding the application of nature-inspired solutions.

View Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and chapters 1-4.
Identify 3-5 examples of biomimicry in the book and describe their significance.

Four other activities

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Complete analogy practice exercises

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Develops the skill of recognizing and applying analogies, improving creative problem-solving.

Browse courses on Analogy

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Review the concept of analogy.
Practice solving analogy problems using online resources or textbooks.
Create your own analogy problems and share them with a peer.

Follow a tutorial on design thinking

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Provides a structured approach to understanding and implementing design thinking principles.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

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Choose a tutorial from a reputable source (e.g., IDEO, d.school).
Follow the tutorial steps and complete the exercises.

Participate in a discussion on the use of AI in creativity

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Facilitates exchange of ideas and perspectives on the role of AI in enhancing creativity.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Join an online discussion forum or study group.
Prepare talking points based on course materials and personal research.
Engage in respectful and thought-provoking discussions with peers.

Develop a creative solution to a real-world problem using biomimicry

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Applies course concepts to a practical project, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Biomimicry

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Identify a problem or challenge that interests you.
Research biomimicry and identify potential solutions inspired by nature.
Develop a prototype or model of your solution.
Present your solution to a peer or mentor for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Creative Thinking and AI: Tools for Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biologist

As a Biologist, your job is to study living organisms. Gaining a deeper understanding of biomimicry through this Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can help you build a foundation for breakthroughs in your field. Biomimicry seeks to solve human challenges by mimicking nature's time-tested patterns and structures, which can inspire your research and propel your career forward.

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Creative Director

As a Creative Director, your focus is on conceptualizing and executing creative visions. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can help strengthen your creative toolbox, exposing you to advanced approaches such as the use of analogy, metaphor, and AI. These techniques can bring fresh perspectives to your work and help you stand out in the competitive world of creative direction.

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Design Researcher

As a Design Researcher, your role is to understand user needs and guide the design process through research. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can enhance your capabilities by introducing you to advanced thinking styles and AI tools. These will empower you to delve deeper into user behavior, gather insights, and develop innovative solutions that resonate with the needs of your target audience.

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Educator

As an Educator, you have the responsibility of imparting knowledge and skills to students. Enrolling in this Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can bolster your teaching methods. It provides you with practical approaches to foster creativity and innovation in your students, equipping them with advanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional journeys.

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Engineer

As an Engineer, you are tasked with designing and developing innovative solutions to technical challenges. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can complement your technical skills by introducing you to advanced creative thinking techniques and the potential of AI in engineering. It will empower you to approach problems with fresh perspectives, generate novel ideas, and leverage technology to push the boundaries of engineering.

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Entrepreneur

As an Entrepreneur, your mission is to identify opportunities and turn them into successful ventures. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can be a valuable asset in your entrepreneurial journey. It provides you with a framework for nurturing creativity, generating innovative ideas, and utilizing AI to gain a competitive edge in the dynamic business landscape.

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Graphic designer

As a Graphic Designer, you use your creativity to communicate ideas visually. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can elevate your designs by introducing you to advanced thinking styles, analogy, and metaphor. These techniques will help you generate more impactful and memorable designs that effectively convey messages and evoke emotions.

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Information Architect

As an Information Architect, you organize and structure information to enhance user experience. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can equip you with advanced approaches to problem-solving and decision-making. You will learn how to leverage AI tools to analyze data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions that improve the accessibility and usability of information systems.

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Innovation Consultant

As an Innovation Consultant, you advise organizations on how to foster creativity and drive innovation. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can provide you with valuable insights and tools to excel in this role. It will equip you with a deep understanding of the creative process and the potential of AI in generating innovative ideas. This knowledge will enable you to guide organizations towards sustainable and transformative innovation strategies.

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Interaction Designer

As an Interaction Designer, you focus on creating seamless and engaging user experiences. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can sharpen your skills by introducing you to advanced approaches to user research, prototyping, and evaluation. You will learn to leverage AI to analyze user behavior, gather feedback, and iteratively refine your designs for optimal user satisfaction.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, your role is to gather, analyze, and communicate information to the public. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can enhance your storytelling abilities and sharpen your critical thinking skills. You will learn to use advanced research techniques, explore different perspectives, and leverage AI to verify information and uncover hidden insights, enabling you to produce compelling and impactful journalistic content.

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Marketer

As a Marketer, your focus is on developing and executing marketing campaigns to reach target audiences. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can provide you with a competitive edge by introducing you to cutting-edge marketing strategies and the use of AI in data analysis and campaign optimization. You will learn to leverage creativity and technology to create innovative and effective marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness and generate leads.

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Product Manager

As a Product Manager, you are responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can enhance your product development process by introducing you to advanced ideation techniques and the use of AI in product testing and user feedback analysis. You will learn to leverage creativity and technology to create innovative products that meet market demands and exceed customer expectations.

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Researcher

As a Researcher, your mission is to conduct scientific investigations and expand our knowledge. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can empower you with advanced research techniques and the use of AI in data analysis and modeling. You will learn to approach research problems from new perspectives, leveraging creativity and technology to uncover hidden insights and make groundbreaking discoveries.

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UX Designer

As a UX Designer, your focus is on creating user-centric digital experiences. This Advanced Creative Thinking and AI course can enhance your design process by introducing you to advanced user research methods and the use of AI in prototyping and testing. You will learn to leverage creativity and technology to create innovative and user-friendly digital products that meet the needs of your target audience.

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