Group Creativity Methods

1
Group Creativity Methods

• From Paradigm Preserving to Paradigm Breaking

2
The Creativity Continuum

Paradigm Preserving
Paradigm Breaking
Paradigm Streching
Safe Imagination not necessary Free
Association Versatile (experience)
Unsafe Imagination Intense Expressive Unrelated
Stimuli Experience Necessary
Brainstorming Brainwriting
Object Simulation metaphors Analogical Thinking
Wishful Thinking Rich Pictures
McFadzean (1998) w/modifications
3
Brainstorming (P-preserving)

• Clearly define the problem
• Group size should be 5-7 people
• No criticism is allowed (water-pistol
  enforcement)
• Freewheeling is encouraged
• Quantity and variety are very important
• Combinations and improvements are encouraged
• Notes must be taken during the session
• Alternatives generated early should be revisited
  later
• The session should not be over-structured

4
Brainwriting (P-preserving)

• Clearly define the problem
• Group members write ideas on separate sheets of
  paper center table
• Group members are encouraged to select ideas for
  stimulation and piggybacking.
• Anonymity is preserved (somewhat) which
  encourages participation

5
Object Stimulation (P-stretching)

• Clearly define the problem
• Group members develop a list of objects that are
  unrelated to the problem
• Each individual select an object and describes it
  in detail
• The group members use the description as stimuli
  for new ideas
• Each idea is recorded for later evaluation

6
Metaphors and Synectics (P-stretching)

• The problem is clearly defined.
• The group or facilitator select a metaphor
  category.
• Each individual describes the situation using the
  metaphor. This should be done for both present
  and desired states. (In synectics, a keyword is
  chosen from the problem statement as a focal
  point for the metaphorical excursion)
• Participants play off each others descriptions to
  create new ideas.

7
Wishful Thinking (P-breaking)

• Clearly define the problem
• Assume that everything is possible
• Develop fantasy statements about the
  futuredescribe the perfect future
• Group members examine each fantasy statement and
  develop ideas on achievement
• New ideas are then linked to the current situation

8
Rich Pictures (P-breaking)

• Clearly define the problem
• Each individual draws two pictures
• Depiction of the current situation
• Depiction of a future desired state
• Each participant describes the pictures in detail
  outlining the representation of each facet
• Others build off the picture descriptions to
  generate new ideas

9
Lateral Thinking Six Hats

• White Hat facts, figures, information, asking
  questions, defining information needs and gaps
• Red Hat intuition, feelings and emotions
• Black Hat logical negative judgment and
  caution why a suggestion doesnt fit the facts
• Yellow Hat logical positive why something
  will work why it will offer benefits
• Green Hat creativity, alternatives, proposals
• Blue Hat process control hat monitors the
  process of thinking about the problem

10
Obstacles to Group Creativity

• Social Loafing some people feel they can exert
  less effort in a group or feel their effort
  really wont contribute greatly.
• Evaluation Apprehension fear of rejection or
  looking stupid.
• Production Blocking only one individual at a
  time can speakthis can lead others to forget.
  (but of course, it can also lead others to
  combine)