Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from edX

In today’s ever-growing and changing world, being able to think creatively and innovatively are essential skills. It can sometimes be challenging to step back and reflect in an environment which is fast paced or when you are required to assimilate large amounts of information. Making sense of or communicating new ideas in an innovative and engaging way, approaching problems from fresh angles, and producing novel solutions are all traits which are highly sought after by employers.

The greatest innovators aren’t necessarily the people who have the most original idea. Often, they are people- or teams- that have harnessed their creativity to develop a new perspective or more effective way of communicating an idea. You can train your imagination to seize opportunities, break away from routine and habit, and tap into your natural creativity.

Thiscourse will equip you with a ‘tool-box’ , introducing you to a selection of behaviours and techniques that will ****augment your innate creativity.Some of the tools are suited to use on your own and others work well for a group, enabling you to leverage the power of several minds.

The practical approach of this course enables you to acquire an essential skill-set for generating ideas, with plenty of:

Fun e-tivities and exercises;
Practical lectures and tips;
Video representations of the techniques in action.

You can pick and choose which of these tools or techniques suit your needs and interests, focusing on some or all of the selected approaches and in the order that fits best for you.

Whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work or leisure, if you practice spending time applying these tools to anything you see or imagine, they will help you get into the habit of making space for observation and imagination. No previous knowledge is needed.

Join this course andour community of practioners in CREATIVITY!

We look forward to seeing you online!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand what creative thinking techniques are
Comprehend their importance in tackling global challenges as well as in everydayproblem-solving scenarios
Apply different brainstorming techniques in groupactivities
Be proficient in the application of the 6 thinking hats tool in different life scenarios

Develop a systematic approach to idea generation through the use of morphological analysis
Innovate on an existing product, service or situation applying the scamper method
Get confident with the theory of inventive problem solving, called triz
Select and apply the appropriate technique based on the opportunity to seize or the problem to tackle

Understand what creative thinking techniques are
Comprehend their importance in tackling global challenges as well as in everydayproblem-solving scenarios
Apply different brainstorming techniques in groupactivities
Be proficient in the application of the 6 thinking hats tool in different life scenarios
Develop a systematic approach to idea generation through the use of morphological analysis
Innovate on an existing product, service or situation applying the scamper method
Get confident with the theory of inventive problem solving, called triz
Select and apply the appropriate technique based on the opportunity to seize or the problem to tackle

Syllabus

Module1In the first module we focus on the basic principles of creativity and highlight its importance in tackling global challenges.Creativity is explored and applied at two different levels, lower and higher-level creativity.Throughout, we're aiming to provoke your thoughts and develop your creative mind through varied activities and interactions.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops creativity, a crucial skill for problem solvers and innovators, in varied scenarios and across scales

Introduces the 'tool-box' method, enabling learners to select and apply appropriate creative approaches in different situations

Offers hands-on activities, practical lectures, and video representations, enhancing the learning experience

Taught by Peter Childs, an experienced instructor, providing valuable insights and guidance

Covers the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), a highly effective method for solving complex problems

May require learners to have a basic understanding of creativity and innovation

Reviews summary

Practical creative thinking tools

According to learners, "Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success" offers a practical tool-box of methods to foster creativity and problem-solving. Students particularly value the course's engaging lectures, fun e-tivities, and video representations, which make complex concepts accessible. It provides a solid foundation in various techniques like Brainstorming, 6 Thinking Hats, Morphological Analysis, SCAMPER, and TRIZ, equipping learners with actionable strategies for both professional and personal situations. While largely seen as a positive experience for those new to structured creative thinking, some suggest it's more suited for beginners seeking an overview rather than advanced deep-dives. Its flexible structure allows learners to focus on areas of interest.

Excellent for newcomers, potentially basic for experienced users.

"A very useful course, particularly for beginners. It covers a broad range of creative thinking tools... My only minor critique is that some sections felt a bit basic."

"This course is a great introduction if you're new to creative thinking methodologies."

"I signed up hoping for advanced creative strategies for my startup, but found it mostly covered introductory methods."

Introduces a wide range of creative problem-solving methods.

"I truly enjoyed the practical approach and the variety of tools introduced, especially the 6 Thinking Hats and SCAMPER."

"It covers a broad range of creative thinking tools like TRIZ and Morphological Analysis, providing a good overview."

"I appreciated learning about the 6 Thinking Hats and Morphological Analysis in one course, it truly broadened my perspective."

Well-structured, clear, and engaging for diverse learners.

"The lecturer was engaging and made complex ideas easy to grasp."

"The e-tivities and video representations made learning enjoyable and clear."

"This course exceeded my expectations! The way they presented complex ideas simply was amazing. I especially loved the hands-on activities."

Provides actionable techniques for real-world scenarios.

"The course truly gave me a practical tool-box for approaching creative challenges."

"I've already started applying these techniques in my daily work, both individually and in team brainstorms."

"The course delivered exactly what it promised – a practical toolkit for enhancing creativity. I loved the flexibility to focus on tools most relevant to me."

Some found pacing slow, desiring more complex examples.

"I struggled a bit with the pacing in some modules, feeling it sometimes moved too slowly or spent too much time on very basic concepts."

"While the tools are useful, I wished for more real-world, complex case studies to apply them to."

"For profound creative theory, perhaps less so. For someone looking for a quick, applicable guide, it's great."

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: Techniques and Tools for Success with these activities:

What is creativity

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This activity will give you a thorough understanding of creativity, including its different types, before taking this course.

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Read through the provided overview: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/creativity
Create a mind map or concept map of the different types of creativity
Reflect on the examples of creativity in the article and write down your own definition of creativity

Peer group brainstorming

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This activity will help you learn how to work effectively with others to generate new ideas.

Browse courses on Brainstorming

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Find a group of 3-5 peers
Choose a topic to brainstorm
Use a brainstorming technique to generate ideas
Share your ideas with the group
Discuss and refine the ideas

Guided brainstorming tutorial

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Use this tutorial to get a quick overview of the brainstorming technique.

Browse courses on Brainstorming

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Go to: https://www.coursera.org/learn/brainstorming-innovation
Click on the 'Enroll for free button'
Click on the 'Guided Project' Tab
Click on 'Start Guided Project'
Complete the guided project at your own pace

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Design thinking activity

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Complete this activity, which is an innovation process that can help you solve problems in a creative way.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

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Identify a problem that you want to solve
Research the problem and gather information
Generate ideas for solving the problem
Build a prototype of your solution
Test your prototype and get feedback
Refine your solution based on feedback

Attend a creativity workshop

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Attend a local workshop covering the topic of creativity. This will give you the opportunity to learn and network with peers in the field.

Browse courses on Creativity

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Research creativity workshops in your area
Choose a workshop that fits your interests and needs
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate actively
Follow up with the organizers or participants

Develop a creativity toolkit

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Throughout the course, develop your own unique toolkit of creativity tools and techniques as a resource.

Browse courses on Creativity Tools

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Identify a range of creativity tools and techniques
Experiment with the tools and techniques to see how they work
Keep a journal of your experiences with the tools and techniques
Share your toolkit with others

Review: Creative Thinking

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Read this book to learn how to further develop your critical thinking skills.

View Thinkpak: A Brainstorming Card Deck on Amazon

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Review chapters 1-5 of the book
Summarize the key points of each chapter in your own words
Apply the techniques and strategies from the book to your own creative thinking

Career center

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

Innovation Manager

Innovation Managers lead the development of new products or services. They need to be able to generate ideas, solve problems, and think creatively. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful as an Innovation Manager, including advanced brainstorming techniques and the application of creative principles in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Manager

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ideas for products and services. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as an Entrepreneur, including advanced brainstorming techniques and the application of creative tools and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing strategies. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to reach customers. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as a Marketing Manager, including the use of creative tools and techniques for problem solving and idea generation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ideas that meet the needs of customers. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as a Product Manager, including the use of creative tools and techniques for problem solving and idea generation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including marketing, journalism, and fiction. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ideas for stories and articles. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as a Writer, including advanced brainstorming techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Creative Director

Creative Directors bring a creative vision to life across all aspects of a project or campaign. They use brainstorming techniques and other tools to generate innovative solutions. This course can help you develop your creative thinking skills and gain valuable experience in the application of creative techniques. The course also provides an overview of creative principles, which is essential for Creative Directors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Researcher

Researchers conduct studies and experiments to learn more about the world around us. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to solve problems. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as a Researcher, including design principles and the application of creative tools and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

UX Designer

UX Designers create user interfaces for websites and apps. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to make websites and apps more user-friendly. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as a UX Designer, including the use of creative tools and techniques for problem solving and idea generation.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Interior designer

Interior Designers plan, design, and furnish interior spaces. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to design spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as an Interior Designer, including the use of creative tools and techniques for problem solving and idea generation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new solutions to problems. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as a Consultant, including design principles and the application of creative tools and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Architect

Architects plan, design, and oversee the construction and renovation of buildings. They must be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to design buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as an Architect, including design principles and the application of creative tools and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Teacher

Teachers help students learn and grow. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to engage students. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as a Teacher, including design principles and the application of creative tools and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. This course develops skills in soliciting and clarifying design requirements, researching and analyzing ideas and information to develop design concepts, and using creative tools and techniques for problem solving and idea generation.

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Engineer

Engineers design, build, and maintain machines, structures, and systems. They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ways to solve problems. This course can help you develop the creative thinking skills you need to be successful as an Engineer, including advanced brainstorming techniques.

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Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers combine art, science, and engineering to enhance the usability, desirability, and value of products. They apply creative thinking techniques and tools to improve the form, function, and appeal of products used by people in work, leisure, and everyday life. They consider the entire product development process, from conceptualization to production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer