You want to invent new ideas but don’t know how to start?
Try these three methods delivered from Torrance’s ideas of how to test creative thinking.
You’ll be amazed how creative you can be.
Unusual Uses
Unusual?
We all know that looking at things from different perspectives can give us new ideas.
What if it’s not just from different, but from unusual perspectives?
The new ideas will be even rarer and more novel.
How?
Whenever you have some free seconds, try holding any object in your hand,
what does it normally do?, and then think what else can it be used for.
Let’s exercise!
In addition to its usual uses, what can you use the thing in the picture for?
For example, broccoli - room decoration, back massage stick, door mat, blush brush
For example, broccoli - room decoration, back massage stick, door mat, blush brush
1. Broccoli
2. Duck
3. Mobile phone
4. Mango tree
5. Alarm clock
6. Door
Write down your answers on a piece of paper.
A+B = ?
A+B?
Designers and artists use this method all the time, with or without they being aware of it.
They start a new idea from something, then add relevant or even irrelevant thing (s) to it,
mold all inputs together, and then ta-da a new idea is born. You can do all these yourself too.
How?
Pick 2 things that are not really related to each other. Then try to use them to build something new.
Let’s exercise!
I’ll give you 2 things and you need to use them to create something in your mind that
you’ve never seen before. Ready? Go! What can you build from….
1. A broccoli and a duck
2. A mobile phone and a mango tree
3. An alarm clock and a door
Write down your answers on a piece of paper.
Improvement Task
Improvement?
New ideas don’t need to always start from zero. It can be inspired and it can be born
out of necessity to improve. We see this all the time especially in crises.
Are you outside? Look around yourself. There are many things (for example, cars)
that are an improvement of their earlier versions.
How?
You can just choose any object or idea and then try to improve it or alter it.
Let’s exercise!
Pick up 1 object or tool in front of you. Look at it carefully and answer these questions.
- What is it?
- Is it easy or difficult to use?
- Is there something else it should be able to do?
- How can you improve it?
Write down your answers on a piece of paper.
More advanced task
What were your 3 ideas from the A+B task? Improve them.
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How was it? Did you get lots of inventions today? You can also try these methods with your family, classrooms, or even fellow commuters on the train.
