Systematic Creative Thinking: Tools for Success from Coursera

Creativity is a widely acclaimed attribute. A range of creativity tools are available that rely on creativity principles to enable systematic idea generation. This module builds on the first module where various types of brainstorming were introduced along with the creativity diamond framework which provides a guide to which type of creative approach to use. Here we will introduce systematic creativity tools that can be used to provoke a wide range of ideas that might not normally arise and can be used to augment your innate creativity.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Familiarity with a range of approaches to creativity

• The principles of morphological analysis for generating ideas

• the principles of invention

• To be able to identify the recommended principles of invention for a given scenario of improving and worsening features

• How to use the SCAMPER creative idea provocation tool

• Use of the creativity diamond framework to guid what approach to creativity to use

SKILLS YOU WILL GAIN

• Familiarity with a range of approaches applied to creativity

• Systematic idea generation and creativity

• Being able to use a morphological chart to develop a range of solutions

• How to produce a morphological chart

• use of the TRIZ contradiction matrix in identifying principles of invention for resolving contradictions in problem solving

• Application of the SCAMPER creative idea provocation tool

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1

There are various creative tools that can be used to provoke a series of ideas that might not normally come to mind. This week you will learn the principles of Morphological Analysis and apply the tool in various life scenarios, from design to developing movie plotlines, whilst developing a more systematic approach to idea generation.

Week 2

By representing a generic solution to an opportunity or challenge through subsystems and producing a chart that includes options for each subsystem, a morphological chart can be used to enable selection of a series of potential ideas. The tool uses combinational creativity to present a potential idea depending on the selection you make. This week we will explore the use of morphological charts for a number of applications. In addition, we will also explore how the charts are generated and how software can be used to reduce the large number of potential solutions.

Week 3

Experience and skill are recognised as important enablers in creativity. Familiarity with a domain provides access to building blocks that can be applied or explored in addressing a challenge. TRIZ is a Russian acronym that is generally translated as the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving and comprises a series of tools that enable access to a wide range of accumulated experience. This week we will introduce you to the principles and some of the thinking and approaches used in TRIZ. In particular, we will consider a set of principles of invention along with the oft found challenge that when improving one feature something else gets worse and how TRIZ can be used to address this apparent contradiction.

Week 4

Often when trying to solve a problem in improving one feature something else gets worse. By analysing successful solutions from patents, particular principles of invention have been identified that enable resolution without the compromise of a worsening feature. TRIZ represents a short cut to experience and a further tool that can be used to systematically aid in the generation of ideas and solutions. This week we will introduce you to one of the key tools in TRIZ, the contradiction matrix that can be used to identify which principles of invention are recommended to resolve a particular pairing of improving and worsening features in an application.

Week 5

This week, we will introduce you to the SCAMPER creativity tool where each letter represents a generic provocation, substituting, combining, adapting, modifying, petting to other uses, erasing and rearranging. You will become familiar with the concepts of SCAMPER and gain proficiency in its application in various professional and personal situations, for inspiring ideas.

Week 6

Many creativity processes incorporate a period of divergence where you explore differing ideas and a period of convergence where particular ideas are selected and refined. This week we will explore how some of the techniques we have explored in this module can be used to aid the generation of multiple ideas during the divergent phase, how criteria can be used to select which ideas to take forward and how some of the tools presented can be used to further elaborate ideas and use in solving problems.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores systematic creativity tools for idea generation, enhancing innate creativity

Taught by Peter Childs, an expert in creativity and innovation

Introduces morphological analysis for generating diverse ideas

Provides a framework for selecting appropriate creativity approaches

Utilizes the SCAMPER tool to inspire creative ideas in various contexts

Suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills

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 Systematic Creative Thinking: Tools for Success with these activities:

Review Creativity Techniques

Show steps

Review the basic creativity techniques to familiarize yourself with the concepts and approaches used in the course.

Browse courses on Morphological Analysis

Show steps

Read the provided materials on creativity techniques.
Apply the techniques to a simple problem or scenario.
Share your findings with a peer or instructor for feedback.

Morphological Analysis Exercises

Show steps

Practice using morphological analysis to generate ideas and solutions for various scenarios.

Browse courses on Morphological Analysis

Show steps

Choose a problem or scenario to work on.
Identify the relevant parameters and their possible values.
Create a morphological chart.
Generate and evaluate ideas based on the chart.

SCAMPER Idea Provocation

Show steps

Use the SCAMPER technique to generate innovative ideas for a given challenge or opportunity.

Browse courses on SCAMPER

Show steps

Identify a problem or opportunity to focus on.
Apply the SCAMPER prompts to the problem or opportunity.
Generate and record your ideas.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

TRIZ Principle Exploration

Show steps

Explore the principles of TRIZ and how they can be used to solve problems and improve solutions.

Browse courses on TRIZ

Show steps

Review the basic principles of TRIZ.
Apply the TRIZ principles to a specific problem or challenge.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the TRIZ approach.

Solving Problems with Morphological Analysis

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of morphological analysis and its applications in problem-solving.

View 40 Principles: TRIZ Keys to Technical... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book to understand the principles of morphological analysis.
Apply the techniques to a real-world problem or challenge.
Share your findings with a peer or instructor for feedback.

Creativity Brainstorming Sessions

Show steps

Engage in brainstorming sessions with peers to generate and refine innovative ideas.

Browse courses on Creativity

Show steps

Organize a brainstorming session with a group of peers.
Define a clear problem or challenge to focus on.
Use creativity techniques to generate ideas.
Discuss, refine, and select the most promising ideas.

Creativity Toolkit Development

Show steps

Create a personal toolkit of creativity techniques and resources to support your problem-solving and idea generation process.

Browse courses on Idea Generation

Show steps

Identify the creativity techniques that resonate with you.
Gather resources and materials related to the techniques.
Organize and document your toolkit in a accessible format.

Career center

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

Innovation Consultant

An Innovation Consultant helps companies develop and implement new products, processes, and services. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Consultant

Design Engineer

A Design Engineer designs and develops new products and systems. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and launch of new products. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Advertising Manager

An Advertising Manager is responsible for developing and implementing advertising campaigns. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advertising Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and managing a sales team. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Government Official

A Government Official is responsible for developing and implementing public policy. This course may be useful for you in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Official

Museum curator

A Museum Curator is responsible for managing and preserving museum collections. This course may be useful for you in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Teacher

A Teacher is responsible for educating students. This course may be useful for you in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager is responsible for leading and managing a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for you in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Archivist

An Archivist is responsible for preserving and providing access to historical records. This course may be useful for you in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Librarian

A Librarian is responsible for managing and providing access to library resources. This course may be useful for you in this role by providing you with the tools and techniques you need to generate creative ideas and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian