In these times, I would dare to say that creativity is our best weapon. In a world where it seems that everything has already been invented and where we quickly get bored of things, creativity is a plus to stand out, especially in the workplace. The good news is that we are all creative, to a greater or lesser extent, and that there are techniques to develop creativity.
The simplest and most effective techniques for developing creativity
1. List of attributes
This is a technique created by RP Crawford, ideal for creating new products, although it can also be used to improve the services or utilities of existing products. To apply it effectively, the first step is to make a list of the characteristics of the product or service in question. The second step is to explore new ways to change its function or improve some of these attributes (to do this you can substitute, combine, magnify, reorganize or even eliminate them).
For example, if your goal is to improve a mobile app, the first thing you should do is make a list of all its features. Next, you should analyze each attribute by asking yourself questions like: Can other functionality be added? Would a change in design improve the user experience? Can any functionality be removed? Can the use of any functionality be amplified?
The key is to let your imagination run wild. At this point, all you have to do is write down the answers you find and, later, evaluate how relevant they are and, above all, consider the cost in relation to the benefits you will obtain.
2. Think Tank
It is a very interesting technique that combines the characteristics of brainstorming and nominal group discussion. In addition, it is very easy to apply and often generates very interesting solutions to different problems.
The first thing you should do is give each person in the group a piece of paper and a pen. Ideally, work with groups of no more than 8 people. Each person should write down about 5 ideas for solving the problem, each on a separate piece of paper. As they finish, they should place the papers in a basket. Then each person should take another piece of paper, preferably with an idea that they did not write down themselves.
At this point, you will need to generate new ideas from the ones you have just read and put them back into the basket. The process will be repeated until no new ideas emerge or until there is an acceptable amount.
The interesting thing about this technique is that people let their imagination fly, generating increasingly creative ideas because their thought patterns become more flexible. Afterwards, all you have to do is analyze each of the proposals and put into practice the most original and effective idea.
3. DaVinci Technique
One of the main characteristics of creative people is that they are open to information and let it flow easily, they are attentive to details and are able to unite seemingly unrelated things. However, this is a skill that we can all develop, and to achieve this there is nothing better than using Da Vinci’s technique. Basically, it is about letting the subconscious come to the surface, and to achieve this we will use drawing.
The first step is to review the problem, its characteristics and possible solutions. Analyze the obstacles and opportunities, try to figure out which aspects do not quite fit. Once you have made this conscious analysis, relax. If you prefer, you can use breathing exercises.
This way you will be letting your subconscious flow. At this point, take a piece of paper and draw the first thing that comes to mind, without censorship. When you finish, look at the drawing, you will probably find some answers. If it doesn’t tell you anything, don’t be discouraged, try again. Once you master the technique, your subconscious will express itself more quickly and you will have more original ideas.
