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Martin Tomitsch and Kai Man Yuen

Creative thinking is one of the most important skills in future work environments. Whether you are working in a large organisation, creating your own startup, or looking for new opportunities in your life, in this course you will learn how to practice creative thinking to come up with innovative ideas.

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Creative thinking is one of the most important skills in future work environments. Whether you are working in a large organisation, creating your own startup, or looking for new opportunities in your life, in this course you will learn how to practice creative thinking to come up with innovative ideas.

Everyone has the capacity to be creative. You don’t have to be in the “creative” sector to use creativity in your work and life. The course provides you with simple tips and techniques to nurture and practice your creative thinking skills. You will hear how the success of Pixar and Nobel Prizes winners is linked to creative thinking and innovation, and how industry experts from Google and IBM use these skills in their work.

This course is delivered with the assistance of the team at INCUBATE - The University of Sydney’s Flagship Startup Program. If you’re part of The University of Sydney community, check out their range of free startup courses and programs here: https://incubate.org.au/

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What's inside

Syllabus

What is creativity?
Welcome to the course! This module covers common definitions of creativity, what creativity involves and what it doesn’t involve, and how it is applied in practice.
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What is innovation?
In this module, we will look at different definitions and types of innovation.
How creative thinking can lead to innovation
In this final module, we will learn how creative thinking and innovation are connected and how we can develop a mindset to foster creativity and innovation.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Features real-world examples of creative thinking and innovation from companies like Pixar and Google
Provides simple tips and techniques for nurturing and practicing creative thinking skills
Introduces concepts of creativity and innovation in a clear and accessible manner
Covers the connection between creative thinking and innovation effectively
Emphasizes the importance of creativity in diverse work environments and personal growth
Taught by reputable instructors in the field of creativity and innovation

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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 and Innovation with these activities:
Review brainstorming techniques
Improve your ability to generate and refine innovative ideas.
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  • Research different brainstorming techniques. There are many different brainstorming techniques, such as freewriting, mind mapping, and brainstorming in pairs. Research different techniques and find one that works best for you.
  • Practice brainstorming regularly
Read Thinkertoys
This book provides hands-on exercises and tools to enhance your creative thinking.
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  • Read the book and complete the exercises.
Watch videos on creative thinking
Expose yourself to different perspectives on creative thinking and innovation.
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  • Find videos on creative thinking and innovation on YouTube or other online platforms.
  • Watch the videos and take notes on the key points.
Six other activities
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Show all nine activities
Practice creative thinking exercises
Engage in regular practice to enhance your ability to think creatively.
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  • Find creative thinking exercises online or in books.
  • Do the exercises regularly.
Find a mentor in creative thinking
Seek guidance from experienced professionals to accelerate your learning and gain insights.
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  • Identify potential mentors who have expertise in creative thinking and innovation.
  • Reach out to them and ask if they would be willing to mentor you.
Create a blog or vlog about creative thinking
Demonstrate your understanding and share your insights with others to solidify your learning.
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  • Choose a platform for your blog or vlog.
  • Create regular content on topics related to creative thinking and innovation.
Attend industry events focused on creative thinking
Connect with professionals, learn from their experiences, and expand your knowledge.
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  • Find industry events focused on creative thinking and innovation.
  • Attend the events and network with other attendees.
Volunteer for organizations that promote creative thinking
Contribute to a cause while applying and refining your creative thinking skills.
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  • Find organizations that promote creative thinking and innovation.
  • Contact the organizations and offer your volunteering services.
Develop a creative solution to a real-world problem
Apply your learning to a practical challenge, solidifying your understanding and demonstrating your creativity.
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  • Identify a real-world problem that interests you.
  • Brainstorm and develop creative solutions to address the problem.

Career center

Learners who complete Creative Thinking and Innovation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers lead teams to develop campaigns to promote a company's products and services. They conduct market research, track trends, and manage budgets. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Marketing Managers develop creative ideas for marketing campaigns and learn how to innovate to stay ahead of the competition.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring products to market. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Product Managers develop creative ideas for new products and learn how to innovate to meet the needs of customers.
UX Designer
UX Designers create user interfaces for websites and applications. They focus on making interfaces easy to use and enjoyable. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help UX Designers develop creative ideas for user interfaces and learn how to innovate to improve the user experience.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Graphic Designers develop creative ideas for visual designs and learn how to innovate to create visually appealing designs.
Copywriter
Copywriters write advertising and marketing materials, such as website content, social media posts, and email campaigns. They use their creativity to write persuasive and engaging content that sells products and services. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Copywriters develop creative ideas for marketing campaigns and learn how to innovate to write more effective copy.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from product development to marketing and sales. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Entrepreneurs develop creative ideas for new businesses and learn how to innovate to stay ahead of the competition.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They help businesses solve problems, improve efficiency, and achieve their goals. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Consultants develop creative ideas for solving business problems and learn how to innovate to provide valuable advice to clients.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and assess student progress. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Teachers develop creative ideas for lesson plans and learn how to innovate to engage students and make learning more enjoyable.
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They investigate stories, interview sources, and write articles that inform the public. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Journalists develop creative ideas for stories and learn how to innovate to write more engaging and informative articles.
Artist
Artists create works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and music. They use their creativity to express themselves and communicate with others. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Artists develop creative ideas for their work and learn how to innovate to create more unique and meaningful art.
Designer
Designers create and develop the look and feel of products, services, and environments. They use their creativity to make products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course can help Designers develop creative ideas for new products and learn how to innovate to create more user-friendly and visually appealing designs.
Engineer
Engineers design and develop products, systems, and structures. They use their creativity to solve problems and create new technologies. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course may help Engineers develop creative ideas for new products and learn how to innovate to find more efficient and effective solutions to engineering problems.
Scientist
Scientists conduct research and experiments to learn more about the world around us. They use their creativity to develop new theories and discoveries. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course may help Scientists develop creative ideas for new research projects and learn how to innovate to find more effective and efficient ways to conduct research.
Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They use their creativity to find the best course of treatment for their patients. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course may help Doctors develop creative ideas for new treatments and learn how to innovate to find more effective and efficient ways to treat patients.
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. They use their creativity to develop legal arguments and strategies. The Creative Thinking and Innovation course may help Lawyers develop creative ideas for legal arguments and learn how to innovate to find more effective and efficient ways to represent their clients.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 and Innovation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of creative thinking techniques and strategies. It covers a wide range of topics, including problem solving, idea generation, and innovation.
Explores the challenges that organizations face when they try to innovate. It provides a framework for understanding the innovator's dilemma and developing strategies for overcoming it.
Provides a step-by-step guide to using the lean startup method to develop and validate new products and services. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Provides insights into the creative process and how to create a culture of innovation. It valuable resource for leaders and managers who want to foster creativity and innovation in their organizations.
Provides a unique perspective on innovation and entrepreneurship. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to start a new business or create a new product or service.
Identifies the five key skills that disruptive innovators possess. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to innovate more effectively.
Provides an introduction to systems thinking. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to think more holistically and systemically.
Provides a comprehensive guide to designing products that are user-friendly and enjoyable to use. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to design better products and services.
Provides a practical guide to overcoming the fear of failure and unlocking your creative potential. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to become more creative and innovative.
Provides a framework for understanding the different types of innovation and how to create and sustain successful growth. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about innovation and how to apply it to their business.
Provides a practical guide to using the lean startup method in large organizations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to innovate more effectively.

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