We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
CareerCatalyst

Leverage your imagination and curiosity to think creatively! Find outside-the-box solutions to even your toughest challenges.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Start Here
Thinking creatively on your own
Thinking creatively with a group
Read more
Course Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops creative-thinking techniques, which are core skills for problem-solving
Teaches creative thinking, which is required for innovation in most industries
Builds a foundation for innovative thinking, which is necessary for career advancement

Save this course

Save Creative Thinking to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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 Creative Thinking with these activities:
Review 'Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ'
Deepens the student's understanding of Java and core programming concepts before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Read through chapters 1-3 of 'Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ'
  • Complete the in-chapter exercises and review questions to test comprehension
  • Try to build a simple Java program that uses the concepts learned in those chapters
Review previous knowledge of software development
Improves retention of previous knowledge and prepares the student for new material.
Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes from previous courses or textbooks on software development.
  • Go over any code examples or projects that were completed in the past.
Practice solving Leetcode problems to improve problem-solving skills
Strengthens problem-solving abilities and reinforces data structure and algorithm concepts.
Browse courses on Data Structures
Show steps
  • Choose a few Leetcode problems of varying difficulty levels.
  • Read the problem statement and try to come up with a solution using the concepts covered in the course.
  • Implement the solution and test it against the test cases provided.
  • Review the solution against optimal solutions and make improvements where possible.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in online forums and help other students with their questions
Strengthens comprehension by reinforcing concepts and providing opportunities to explain them to others.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or discussion groups related to the course.
  • Actively participate in discussions.
  • Answer questions and provide assistance to other students. This can be done through written responses, video calls, or any other appropriate format.
  • Review your own responses and identify areas where you can improve your understanding.
Volunteer at a local organization or community project
Enhances practical skills and provides exposure to real-world applications.
Show steps
  • Identify local organizations or community projects that align with your interests and course-related skills.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.
  • Actively participate in activities and tasks assigned by the organization.
  • Reflect on the experience and how it relates to the concepts learned in the course.
Create a blog post or presentation on a specific topic within the course
Enhances understanding by requiring students to synthesize and present information in their own words, consolidating knowledge.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic within the course that you find interesting and want to learn more about.
  • Research the topic using credible sources and gather relevant information.
  • Organize your findings in a logical and engaging way.
  • Decide on the format of your presentation (e.g., blog post, presentation slides, video).
  • Create the content, ensuring it is well-written, visually appealing, and easy to understand.
Develop a small software application that utilizes the concepts covered in the course
Provides hands-on experience and deepens understanding by applying theory to practice.
Show steps
  • Identify a project idea that aligns with your interests and the course material.
  • Plan the project, including the features, design, and implementation details.
  • Develop the application, following best practices and utilizing relevant technologies.
  • Test and debug the application to ensure it meets the desired functionality.
  • Document the project, including a user manual and technical specifications.

Career center

Learners who complete Creative Thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Creative Director
Creative Directors are responsible for the overall creative vision of a project. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative concepts that communicate the client's message in a visually appealing way. The Creative Thinking course can help Creative Directors develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Creative Directors who need to collaborate with others to develop successful creative concepts.
UX Designer
UX Designers use their creativity and design skills to create user interfaces for websites and apps. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Creative Thinking course can help UX Designers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for UX Designers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful user interfaces.
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers use their creativity and design skills to create new products and improve existing ones. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Creative Thinking course can help Industrial Designers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Industrial Designers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful product designs.
Product Designer
Product Designers use their creativity and design skills to create new products and improve existing ones. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Creative Thinking course can help Product Designers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Product Designers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful product designs.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers use their creativity and design skills to create visual concepts for a variety of projects, such as advertising campaigns, product packaging, and website design. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that communicate the client's message in a visually appealing way. The Creative Thinking course can help Graphic Designers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Graphic Designers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful creative concepts.
Art Director
Art Directors use their creativity and imagination to develop visual concepts for a variety of projects, such as advertising campaigns, product packaging, and website design. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that communicate the client's message in a visually appealing way. The Creative Thinking course can help Art Directors develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Art Directors who need to collaborate with others to develop successful creative concepts.
Package Designer
Package Designers use their creativity and design skills to create packaging for products. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Creative Thinking course can help Package Designers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Package Designers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful packaging designs.
Visual Merchandiser
Visual Merchandisers use their creativity and design skills to create visually appealing displays for retail stores. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that attract customers and increase sales. The Creative Thinking course can help Visual Merchandisers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Visual Merchandisers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful visual merchandising displays.
Brand Manager
Brand Managers are responsible for developing and managing the brand's identity and reputation. They work with marketing teams to create marketing campaigns that connect with customers on a personal level. The Creative Thinking course can help Brand Managers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Brand Managers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful marketing campaigns.
Writer
Writers use their creativity and writing skills to create content for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, advertising, and public relations. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that communicate the client's message in a clear and concise way. The Creative Thinking course can help Writers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Writers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful writing projects.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing plans that help companies achieve their business goals. They work with a variety of teams, including sales, product development, and customer service, to develop marketing campaigns that connect with customers on a personal level. The Creative Thinking course can help Marketing Managers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Marketing Managers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful marketing campaigns.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public's perception of a company or organization. They work with the media, customers, and other stakeholders to develop and execute public relations campaigns that promote the company's brand and reputation. The Creative Thinking course can help Public Relations Managers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Public Relations Managers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful public relations campaigns.
Filmmaker
Filmmakers use their creativity and storytelling skills to create films and videos. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that communicate the client's message in a visually appealing and engaging way. The Creative Thinking course can help Filmmakers develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Filmmakers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful films and videos.
Event Planner
Event Planners use their creativity and organizational skills to plan and execute events, such as weddings, conferences, and corporate events. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop creative solutions that create a memorable and successful event. The Creative Thinking course can help Event Planners develop their creative thinking skills and learn how to think outside the box. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Event Planners who need to collaborate with others to develop successful events.
Advertising Manager
Advertising Managers use their creativity and problem-solving skills to help companies advertise their products and services. They create marketing campaigns that connect with customers on a personal level. The Creative Thinking course provides a solid foundation in the principles of creativity and innovation, which can help Advertising Managers develop more effective advertising campaigns. Additionally, the course covers topics such as thinking creatively on your own and with a group, which can be useful for Advertising Managers who need to collaborate with others to develop successful marketing campaigns.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Creative Thinking.
Provides a step-by-step process for generating creative ideas. It classic work on the subject and is still widely used today. Concepts are explained clearly and engagingly, with a conversational tone and easy-to-understand examples, suitable for beginners.
Introduces the concept of lateral thinking, a method for solving problems by thinking outside the box. It provides a framework for generating new ideas and challenging assumptions. Full of engaging examples and exercises.
Argues that creativity skill that can be learned and developed. It provides practical tips and exercises for fostering creativity in both individuals and organizations. Written in an encouraging and optimistic style, which may resonate with learners.
Explores the science of creativity, drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, and other fields. It provides insights into how the creative process works and how to enhance your own creativity. Well-written and accessible to a general audience.
Examines why successful companies often fail to innovate. It provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation and offers strategies for overcoming them. Although not specifically focused on personal creativity, its insights on disruptive innovation are applicable to the course topic.
Explores the concept of mindset, the belief system that shapes our thoughts and behaviors. It argues that a growth mindset, which embraces challenges and sees failure as an opportunity for learning, is essential for success. Understanding mindset can help learners overcome obstacles to creative thinking.
Provides practical tips and exercises for developing a creative habit. It draws on the author's experience as a dancer and choreographer and emphasizes the importance of discipline and practice. Offers a unique perspective on the creative process.
Motivational guide for overcoming the obstacles that prevent us from expressing our creativity. It provides insights into the psychology of creativity and offers strategies for dealing with self-doubt and fear. Written in a passionate and inspiring style.
Provides a structured program for unlocking creativity. It includes daily exercises and prompts designed to help you overcome creative blocks and connect with your inner artist. Particularly valuable for those seeking a more holistic and introspective approach to creative thinking.
Encourages readers to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions without fear. It offers insights into the nature of creativity and provides practical tips for overcoming self-doubt and taking creative risks. Written in a warm and engaging style.
Challenges the traditional notion of originality and encourages readers to draw inspiration from others' work. It provides practical advice on how to develop your own unique voice and style. Offers a fresh perspective on the creative process.
Save
Explores the concept of flow, a state of complete immersion and focus that is often associated with creativity. It provides insights into the conditions that foster flow and offers strategies for achieving it. Valuable for understanding the optimal conditions for creative thinking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive processes involved in thinking and decision-making. It covers topics such as problem-solving, reasoning, and biases. Offers a theoretical foundation for understanding the cognitive aspects of creative thinking.
Explores the principles of design and how they can be applied to everyday objects. It provides insights into the psychology of perception and usability. Valuable for understanding the role of design in fostering creativity.
Provides a structured approach to creative problem-solving. It includes a variety of tools and techniques that can be used to generate ideas and find innovative solutions. Serves as a practical guide for applying creative thinking to specific problems.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Creative Thinking.
How to Set a Budget and Schedule for Your Facebook Ads
Less relevant
Staying Organized to Improve Productivity
Less relevant
How To Start A Podcast
Less relevant
The Complete Facebook Sales Funnel Blueprint
Less relevant
Voice-Over Performance & Script Interpretation Masterclass
Less relevant
Publish Your Children's Picture Book
Less relevant
Crash Course on Social Media
Less relevant
Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process
Less relevant
Short Film Making - Writing and Producing Short Films
Less relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser