Creative problem solving

Creativity Problem Solving

By
Dr. Vijay Kr Khurana

Problem Solving
• Problem solving is a mental process which is the
concluding part of the larger problem process that
includes problem finding and problem shaping where
problem is defined as a state of desire for the reaching of
a definite goal from a present condition that either is not
directly moving toward the goal, is far from it or needs
more complex logic for finding a missing description of
conditions or steps toward the goal.
• Problem solving has been defined as a higher-order
cognitive process that requires the modulation and
control of more routine or fundamental skills

Problem Solving
Problem-solving techniques
These techniques are usually called problem solving
strategies. Some of these are:
• Abstraction: solving the problem in a model of the
system before applying it to the real system
• Analogy: using a solution that solved an analogous
problem
• Brainstorming: (especially by using groups of people)
suggesting a large number of solutions or ideas and
combining and developing them until an optimum
solution is found

Problem Solving
Problem-solving techniques .. Contd
• Lateral thinking: approaching solutions indirectly and
creatively
• Fractionalization / Divide and conquer: breaking down a
large, complex problem into smaller, solvable problems
• Hypothesis testing: assuming a possible explanation to
the problem and trying to prove (or, in some contexts,
disprove) the assumption
• Means-ends analysis: choosing an action at each step to
move closer to the goal

Problem Solving
• Morphological analysis: assessing the output and
interactions of an entire system
• Reduction: transforming the problem into another
problem for which solutions exist
• Research: employing existing ideas or adapting existing
solutions to similar problems

Problem Solving

• Root cause analysis: eliminating the cause of the problem
• Trial-and-error: testing possible solutions until the right
one is found
• Proof: try to prove that the problem cannot be solved.
The point where the proof fails will be the starting point
for solving it

What is Creative Problem Solving
Approach

Approach
• Problem solving usually involves application of logic
and / or skills for finding solution on the plane of known /
existing knowledge as under:
– Done by further investigations
– Done by improved skill capability
– Pursued path may be complex but it is still on the
same plane (perhaps expanding the plane somewhat /
slightly)

Approach
• Sometimes logic and / or skills may be applied to the
expanded plane of knowldege by expanding it as under:
– Acquisition of information along a path that fits with
current reasoning
– As normal scientific work

Approach
• However what to do when the plane of knowledge has been
totally searched and logically expanded and the problem is
still not solved? This calls for creative problem solving
approach.
• Creative Problem Solving is a method for approaching a
problem or a challenge in an imaginative and innovative way.
• It is a special form of problem solving in which the solution is
independently created rather than learned with assistance.
• Creative problem solving always involves creativity.
• Creative problem solving is a part of overall problem solving

Approach
Categories of Creative Problem Solving Techniques
1. Creativity techniques designed to shift a person's mental
state into one that fosters creativity….. Viz. One such
popular technique is to take a break and relax or sleep
after intensively trying to think of a solution.
2. Creativity techniques designed to reframe the problem.
…. Viz, reconsidering one's goals by asking "What am I
really trying to accomplish?" can lead to useful insights.

Approach
Categories of Creative Problem Solving Techniques
3. Creativity techniques designed to increase the quantity of
fresh ideas. …..This approach is based on the belief that
a larger number of ideas increase the chances that one of
them has value.
4. Creative-problem-solving techniques designed to
efficiently lead to a fresh perspective that causes a
solution to become obvious….. This category is useful for
solving especially challenging problems.

Approach
Some examples of the creative problem solving techniques /
approaches are as under:
i. TRIZ, which is also known as Theory of Inventive Problem
Solving (TIPS), was developed by Genrich Altshuller and his
colleagues -This method is designed to foster the creation and
development of patentable inventions, but is also useful for
creating non-product solutions.
ii. Mind mapping is a creativity technique that both reframes the
situation and fosters creativity.
iii. Brainstorming is a group activity designed to increase the
quantity of fresh ideas..
iv. Edward De Bono’s concept of lateral thinking

Approach
Contd……Techniques/ approaches:
• v) Dismantling or fractionalisation of problem into parts
– A big problem may be difficult to diagnose and deal.
However its complexility can be reduced by dimantling /
fractionalizing it into smaller parts. Focus on smaller parts
may help in thinking up ideas for problem solving thus
facilitating creativity.
• vi) Reversal of Problem (By turning it around viz. inside-
out, upside-down or back to front) - This approach helps in
thinking up ideas from opposite / different prespective and
thus helps in finding new or different ideas for problem
solving.

Process
• The Creative Problem Solving Process (CPS), also known as
the Osborn-Parnes CPS process, was developed by Alex
Osborn and Dr. Sidney J. Parnes in the 1950s.
• Osborn-Parnes CPS process is different from other "creative
problem solving" methods that it uses both divergent and
convergent thinking during each process step, and not just
when generating ideas to solve the problem. Each step begins
with divergent thinking, a broad search for many alternatives.
This is followed by convergent thinking, the process of
evaluating and selecting.
• Thus CPS is a structured method for generating novel and
useful solutions to problems. It is flexible process as well.
• CPS follows three process stages, which match a person's
natural creative process, and six explicit steps.

Process

Process
1. Explore the Challenge –
a). OF - Objective Finding - Identify Goal, Wish or
Challenge. It might be the initial dissatisfaction or a desire
that opens the door to using the CPS process.
b). FF -Fact Finding - Gather Data
• Assess and review all the data that pertains to the
situation at hand. Who’s involved, what’s involved, when,
where, and why it’s important. Make a list of the facts
and information, as well as the more visceral hunches,
feelings, perceptions, assumptions and gossips around the
situation. In this step, all the relevant data is collected &
taken into consideration to review the objective and begin
to innovate.

Process
• c). PF - Problem Finding - Clarify the Problem
• In this step, we explore the facts and data to find all the
problems and challenges inherent in the situation, and all
the opportunities they represent. This is about making
sure that we are focusing on the right problem. It is
possible to come up with the right answer to the wrong
problem. Re-define what we want or what’s stopping us.

Process
2. Generate Ideas
• d. ) IF - Idea Finding -
• Generating ideas is much more than brainstorming.
During this step, be vigilant about deferring judgment
and coming up with wild, outrageous, out-of-the-box
ideas. This is where you explore ideas that are possible
solutions. It’s also where you need to stretch to make
connections, take risks, and try new combinations to
find potentially innovative solutions.

Process
3. Prepare for Action
• e). SF - Solution Finding – Select and Strengthen
Solutions
• First, try to strengthen and improve the best ideas
generated. Next, generate the criteria that needs to be
considered to evaluate the ideas for success. Apply that
criteria to the good ideas and decide which are most
likely to solve the redefined problem. The best idea needs
to meet criteria that makes it actionable before it
becomes the solution. A creative idea is not really useful
if it could not be implemented.
•

Process
• f). AF - Acceptance Finding
• In this step, look at who’s responsible, what has to be
done by when, and what resources are available in order
to realize this idea as a full-fledged, activated solution.

Creative problem solving

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