How can you develop a creative process that works for you?

2 Gather information

The next step is to gather relevant and diverse information that can inspire and inform your creative thinking. You can use various sources and methods to collect information, such as research, observation, interviews, surveys, or experiments. The key is to be curious, open-minded, and critical about what you find and how it relates to your challenge. You can also use tools and techniques to organize and analyze your information, such as sorting, categorizing, or synthesizing.

3 Generate ideas

The third step is to generate as many ideas as possible that can potentially solve your challenge. You can use various tools and techniques to generate ideas, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER, or lateral thinking. The key is to be divergent, imaginative, and playful with your ideas, without judging or filtering them at this stage. You can also use tools and techniques to combine, expand, or modify your ideas, such as clustering, morphological analysis, or forced connections.

4 Evaluate ideas

The fourth step is to evaluate your ideas and select the most promising ones that can meet your criteria for success. You can use various tools and techniques to evaluate ideas, such as pros and cons, feasibility, desirability, or novelty. The key is to be convergent, rational, and objective with your ideas, without being too attached or dismissive of them at this stage. You can also use tools and techniques to improve, refine, or eliminate your ideas, such as feedback, testing, or prototyping.

5 Implement ideas

The fifth step is to implement your ideas and turn them into tangible outcomes that can solve your challenge. You can use various tools and techniques to implement ideas, such as action plans, timelines, budgets, or resources. The key is to be practical, efficient, and flexible with your ideas, without being too rigid or complacent at this stage. You can also use tools and techniques to monitor, measure, or communicate your ideas, such as indicators, reports, or presentations.

6 Review ideas

The sixth and final step is to review your ideas and assess their impact and effectiveness in solving your challenge. You can use various tools and techniques to review ideas, such as feedback, evaluation, or reflection. The key is to be honest, constructive, and learning-oriented with your ideas, without being too defensive or satisfied at this stage. You can also use tools and techniques to celebrate, share, or improve your ideas, such as recognition, dissemination, or iteration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?