What do you do if you need to find a creative solution to a problem?

Well, we will truly understand the problem the solutioning is just the rest 50% of the work left. The first and foremost step should be understanding the problem and breaking it down to smaller achievable tasks. Then look for the different ways to solve them.

My approach would be - Define problem, gather info, Brainstorm, collaborate, stay open minded and think out of the box, iterate and experiment. Proven methods to succeed with creative problem solving !

In order for you to be successful in everything you do, you have to first understand what the issue/situation is being addressed. This solves roughly about 75% of our problems. In order for this is to be achieved, breakdown the problem into smaller chunks. Conduct a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and identify what needs to be solved. Breakdown the problem and ask questions where need be to find the best solution for each sub-problem. Seek expert advice or help; do a deep dive in researching about the topic at hand with support from online articles and blogs etc.

There's never a solution without a problem. Sorry, scratch that. About 90% of what you do are the solutions to your problems. Or at least pose as the solution to the problem you have. And there's no way to provide a solution when the problem on board is not properly understood. Until you can have a clear understanding of the problem, break it down into bits and go through every possible path to see all sides of it, there's a high possibility of not providing a solution to such a problem. Understanding births solution which eventually births results.

1. Change Your Environment: Seek new surroundings for fresh perspectives. 2.Embrace Constraints: Use limitations as springboards for creativity. 3.Brainstorm with Others: Collaborate with diverse minds for innovative ideas. 4.Take Breaks: Step away to recharge and gain clarity. 5.Experiment and Iterate: Test new solutions and refine them along the way. 6.Seek Inspiration: Look beyond your field for fresh ideas. 7.Mind Mapping: Visualize connections to generate creative solutions. 8.Challenge Assumptions: Question the norm to uncover breakthroughs. 9.Creative Exercises: Practice activities to stimulate innovative thinking. Remember, creativity thrives with an open mind and a willingness to explore new avenues!

I often use the statement "Think outside the box." I approach the problem with a calm mind. Act as if its impossible to fail. Step back a bit and look at it from another angle, asking questions like "What exactly is the challenge?", "What am I trying to achieve?", "What should I do?" With this is written down, clarity has already been achieved. Its important to approach the problem with a different perspective.

It was Thursday night and had no solution for an instruction. On Friday was the deadline to send the paper to the client. I felt stuck. There were two options: working all night hoping I will find a way or stop. I chose the second knowing that I am not creative under pressure. I turned off my laptop and get out for a walk with my dog. The response hit me right after I gave up on control and embracing, instead, the trust that I will manage it in the end. It was lovely. It still is the one experience that speaks to me each time I feel pressured.

Explore diverse realms – from art to astrophysics – for that lightbulb moment. Chat up folks from all walks of life; you never know where genius lurks. Let curiosity be your compass and let inspiration strike like lightning! ?????

Embrace Brainstorming! Engage diverse perspectives, encourage wild ideas, and foster a supportive environment where innovation thrives.

"Ideas don't necessary come from one pool.", indeed this statement has a deeper meaning to why we shouldn't rely on one source of information to ignite ideas. Instead we have to hear what others have to say. Hence, the concept of "Brainstorming", its a collective method of generating ideas from a group of people to address the problem and find possible solutions. Its not a one time solution but an agile type of method. It's very important to evaluate and choose the best solution there is and later assess it as things change overtime. "Innovation comes with collaboration."

No idea is too wild or too wacky - let them flow like a brainstorming waterfall! Save the judgment for later; right now, it's all about unleashing the creative beast within. Once the dust settles, we'll sift through the gems and polish them 'til they shine! ????

Brainstorming and actually testing the ideas are two different things to explore. And both are equally important. So if you just blatantly think about an idea but don’t know how to pursue it, trial and error method and prototype testing has to take place to see if atleast at a basic level, the idea can be implemented in the longer term or not.

Make your toy-model visual (to some extent). Once you can map it down to a diagram, to a plot, to a simple drawing, or even in equations or a simple text, then it is more likely to have understood it. Also, it helps when trying to explain to the other what is going on in your mind. Do you have more solutions to your problem and do not know which one to pick? A visualization might come in handy in finding the right one.

It is normal to not figure it out the first time, but this doesn't mean that you wasted your time. Learning is not a straightforward process, you always optimize your previous knowledge based on the new knowledge that you gain. It is good the have an own feedback-loop, but if you struggle with it, just ask a colleague or a supervisor to help you out. It is sometimes difficult to find out on your own when or where things broke-down. Don't forget to implement this feedback and to try again. Nevertheless, don't be too disappointed if it didn't work out at the end. There are many other interesting problems that you can solve. Don't forget that you gained a bit more experience!

Reflect, refine, repeat! Take a moment to ponder your prototypes. What worked? What flopped? Adapt like a chameleon in a rainbow factory, tweaking your approach as needed. Remember, creativity thrives on flexibility. It's a winding road, but each twist brings you closer to that aha moment! ????

Explore the challenge, generate ideas, and prepare for action. Could be a struggle to chose however do not be timide in picking up a solution and trying it.

Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional ideas and be open to trying new approaches. Remember that creativity often thrives in an environment of curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore different possibilities.