Creativity and Problem Solving: a Practical History Lesson

Creativity has been the subject of scientific research since the early 18th century. Over the years, as we learned how to utilize creativity, there have been countless attempts to understand the mechanism behind creativity. To this day, there are researches to analyze, understand, develop and measure creativity. However, the interest in creativity dates back to ancient Greece, China, and India.

The word 'Creativity' comes from two etymologic sources: the Latin Creare and the Greek Krainein; both words mean Creation. However, In ancient Greece, creativity did not appear in any dictionary, text, or book. The term closest to 'creativity' at the time was Poiein, which means doing. Doing was considered an action inspired by the free mind, such as poetry. At these times, creativity was considered a godly quality that only a few were lucky to be blessed with.

Modern creativity began forming during the Renaissance when creating was inspired by also human intellect and the mind. In the 18th century, creativity began to be associated with aesthetics, beauty, harmony, and imagination. Poets began writing about love and feelings, painters drew abstract paintings, and musicians composed melodies to endorse emotions. The focus on man rather than god, and human intellect and abilities is part of the core concepts of humanism.

However, as a field of academic research, the study of creativity began in the late 19th century. Some might argue that the ideas of Darwinism triggered this change. And for the first time when creativity is associated with 'Genius.' Towards the middle of the 20th century, initial models began to be published, analyzing and specifying what creativity is. 

So we see that creativity was always a point of interest. It is not surprising, as creative problem solving is one of the main factors that drive any kind of evolution - technological, economic, and even human evolution. 

People have been using creativity as a working tool for ages, and you can do it too. So how can you use it in your day-to-day life? Here is one suggestion:

Creative Thinking Problem Solving Model:

In 1926 Grahm Wallas published his model of creative thinking. Using Wallas's model when solving a problem can help you model and plan your actions more efficiently. According to the model, there are five phases to creative problem solving:

1. Preparation - analyzing and understanding the characteristics of the problem or the challenge we are facing. In this stage, you should understand what causes the problem, what will happen if we will or will not solve it, or any other thing that will help you understand the root of the problem.
2. Incubation - When the problem takes root in the subconscious mind. You begin to be aware of the problem's main point. 
3. Intimation - The person who is working on the issue feels that the solution is within reach. You begin to feel that this problem that held you back and frustrated you is solvable.
4. Insights - That A-Ha moment, when we become aware of the unconscious. Suddenly the solution appears out of thin air. The moment you do that secret little dance, you deny you have.
5. Verification - When the idea to solve the problem becomes aware, processed, and finally - implemented. The solution becomes a standard. In other words - Problem Solved, YOU ROCKSTAR!

Next time you are facing a problem at work, try approaching it with Wallas's model. As humans, we sometimes tend to rush into solving and fixing problems. However, once we know where our pain comes from, the solution will come to us. 

Remember: Focusing on understanding the problem rather than solving it can drive better results and save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Source:

Wallas, G. (1926). The art of thought. New York, NY: Harcourt, Brace and Company