Part Four: Creativity

Creativity

This section focuses on generating new ideas through a set of tools that, at times, challenge conventional thinking; at other times, challenge established concepts; and at other times, create new connections between existing elements.

These tools help generate ideas and solutions outside the boundaries of traditional thinking.

Tool 1: Yes, No, Po

Yes / No / Po

Explanation

This tool aims to distinguish between what constitutes a fact, which can be accepted or rejected based on evidence, and what is creative thinking, which remains open to exploration and idea generation.

The term PO comes from words such as Poetry, Supposition, and Hypothesis.

This is the area where the mind should be actively engaged to generate the best possible ideas.

Example:

In software process improvement, the objective may be clear: improve quality, reduce costs, and increase value.

However, there may be different approaches to implementation depending on each team's experience and circumstances.

For example:

• Should the team be dedicated?

• Should it be virtual?

• Should it be led by senior management?

These questions are suitable for PO thinking.

The focus is often on HOW—the way in which the desired outcome can be achieved.

Exercise 1: Identify what is factual and what is creative when defining requirements in software engineering.

Exercise 2: Discuss the use of game-based learning in education, distinguishing between facts and creative possibilities.

Exercise 3: Discuss digital transformation in education, distinguishing between what is factual and what is creative.

Tool 2: Stepping Stone

Stepping Stone

Explanation

This tool refers to a step that helps you move beyond prevailing concepts, conventional practices, and familiar patterns toward a new and unconventional direction.

It involves using an apparently illogical or unexpected idea as a stepping stone toward a creative idea.

Examples:

• Using thread, traditionally associated with sewing, for handicrafts—for example, wrapping thread around a balloon, applying adhesive, and creating lampshades.

• Using fabric as a sail for boats after its traditional use as clothing.

• Recycling plastic containers for completely different purposes.

Exercise 1: How can stone be used in interior or exterior decoration?

Exercise 2: How can a home Internet connection be transformed from a cost item into a source of income?

Exercise 3: How can electronic games be used in education?

Tool 3: Random Inputs

Random Inputs

Explanation

This tool involves introducing a random, apparently unrelated input and then attempting to discover a connection between it and the problem through an innovative idea.

The objective is to find an unrelated concept that can lead to a creative solution.

Example:

Trains + Dogs

A possible connection could be to provide dedicated train bookings or designated travel times for dogs, together with appropriate food and services.

Exercise 1: Use the random input “Lawyer” to generate an idea for increasing the income of your business.

Exercise 2: Use the random input “Palaces” to generate an idea for addressing unemployment.

Exercise 3: Use the random input “Google” to solve the problem of training students using examination models.

Tool 4: Concept Challenge

Concept Challenge

Explanation

The previous two tools primarily involve imagination and unconventional associations.

Here, however, we deliberately challenge a widely accepted concept.

The purpose is not pointless argument or sophistry, but to determine whether the prevailing concept is truly the only possible explanation or whether other acceptable interpretations exist.

This can reveal new alternatives that were not previously considered.

It is therefore another technique for generating alternatives, similar to the alternatives discussed in Expanding the Scope of Perception.

If the challenge fails and no reasonable alternative can be identified, this may provide additional support for the prevailing concept.

The typical approach is to ask:

Why?

Example:

Why are plates round?

Possible answers might include:

• They are easier to handle.

• They are easier to clean.

• They have lower resistance or fewer sharp edges.

The purpose is to encourage constructive challenge between people who support the prevailing view and those who question it.

Exercise 1: Why is a notebook rectangular and vertically oriented?

Exercise 2: Why are computer programming languages predominantly based on English terminology?

Exercise 3: Why is writing paper usually white?

Note: Challenging the assumption about white paper can lead to ideas such as using papers in different colors, which is already common in research, educational materials, and artwork.

Tool 5: Dominant Idea

Dominant Idea

Explanation

The dominant idea is the prevailing idea that automatically controls our thinking when we consider a problem or situation.

To be creative, we sometimes need to escape from this dominant idea and explore something fundamentally different in order to produce an unconventional solution.

Example:

The traditional model is for a company to have a permanent physical office where employees report to work every day.

Why not create virtual companies that operate online, allowing employees to work from home using different technologies?

Exercise 1: Move beyond the dominant idea of “the role of the marketing department” and generate a creative idea.

Exercise 2: Move beyond the dominant idea of “printing books in advance” and generate a creative idea.

Exercise 3: Move beyond the dominant idea of “girls being physically weak” and generate a creative idea.

Tool 6: Define the Problem

Define the Problem

Explanation

The problem is the fundamental driver of our actions. If we define the problem incorrectly, everything built upon that definition may move in the wrong direction.

Therefore, we should ask:

What is the real problem?
Can we define it more accurately and precisely?

A doctor who incorrectly diagnoses a disease will most likely prescribe an ineffective treatment. This results not only in unsuccessful treatment but also in unnecessary financial and psychological costs for the patient.

This means we need to address two issues:

• Avoiding generalizations.

• Considering hidden and less obvious factors, as discussed in Part One, Expanding the Scope of Perception.

Example:

The real problem behind a high employee turnover rate could involve:

• Poor management.

• Lack of a clear organizational vision.

• Salaries below the market average.

Exercise 1: What is the real problem behind employees arriving late?

Exercise 2: Define the real problem behind project delays in your company.

Exercise 3: Define the real problem behind declining software quality in your company.

Tool 7: Remove Faults

Remove Faults

Explanation

In this tool, ideas are developed and improved by eliminating as many faults or sources of dissatisfaction as possible.

A fault is something that can reasonably be complained about.

It may be:

• Missing — something that should exist but does not.

• Existing — something undesirable that should be removed or improved.

This process can be challenging because it may require searching for effective ways to eliminate the problem.

Example:

Consider the problems caused by the widespread use of old vehicles.

One problem is increased pollution caused by vehicle exhaust.

Possible solutions could include:

• Using higher-octane fuel where technically appropriate.

• Introducing regulations that reduce the continued use of highly polluting old vehicle models.

• Establishing minimum fuel-quality requirements.

Exercise 1: What problems are caused by e-learning, and how can they be addressed?

Exercise 2: What problems are caused by learning in English, and how can they be addressed?

Exercise 3: What problems are caused by using cloud computing, and how can they be addressed?

Tool 8: Combination

Combination

Explanation

This tool involves combining characteristics or capabilities of existing ideas to create something new.

Example:

A smartphone combines the functions of:

• A telephone

• A camera

• A radio

• And many other devices

Exercise 1: What creative idea could result from combining a mobile phone and a chair?

Exercise 2: What creative idea could result from combining warehouse-management software with e-learning platforms?

Exercise 3: What creative idea could result from combining the marketing and sales departments?

Tool 9: Requirements

Requirements

Explanation

This tool focuses on identifying the requirements of a problem and assigning priorities to them in order to create innovative solutions.

Requirements establish clear boundaries for both the problem and its possible solutions and help maintain focus in the right direction.

Example:

Some requirements for delivering a remote-learning platform might include:

• A login URL for accessing the platform.

• Administrator accounts that allow authorized administrators to log in and create or manage other users.

Note: The importance and priority of each requirement should be clearly identified so that implementation can be properly prioritized.

Exercise 1: What are the requirements of a project plan between the customer and the supplier?

Exercise 2: What are the requirements for creating a global Qur'an memorization training platform?

Exercise 3: What are the requirements for growing ornamental plants at home?

Tool 10: Evaluation

Evaluation

Explanation

This tool resembles PMI, which was discussed in the Expanding the Scope of Perception section.

However, here the purpose is specifically to evaluate whether the ideas generated are appropriate for the requirements identified and whether they are likely to produce positive outcomes.

We examine both the positive and negative aspects of the generated ideas.

Example:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a school uniform?

Advantages:

• Reduces visible distinctions between students.

• Establishes a common standard.

Disadvantages:

• Students may feel restricted.

• It may reduce freedom in areas unrelated to the educational objectives.

Exercise 1: What are the advantages and disadvantages of managing software work as products rather than projects?

Exercise 2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of standardizing the programming language used within a company?

Exercise 3: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Cloud Computing instead of Dedicated Servers?

Summary

We have now completed Part Four of the CORT program: Creativity, covering the following ten tools:

1. Yes / No / Po

2. Stepping Stone

3. Random Inputs

4. Concept Challenge

5. Dominant Idea

6. Define the Problem

7. Remove Faults

8. Combination

9. Requirements

10. Evaluation

Practice the Ten Creativity Tools

We should give ourselves sufficient time for each of the following:

• Understanding the explanations.

• Studying the examples.

• Thinking through possible solutions to the exercises.

• Practicing individually and together with our sons and daughters.

This is the true objective of the course: learning the principles of thinking, practicing them, and then practicing them again and again.

Exercise 1: What additional tools could be added?

Exercise 2: Which tools provide little or no value?

Exercise 3: Which tools could be combined?

Exercise 4: Which tools should remain separate?