Creative Problem-Solving Framework
"Complacency with our traditional judgement based thinking methods is not enough. Our existing thinking habits are excellent just as the rear wheel of a motor car is excellent but not enough. We need to put far more emphasis on creative and design thinking. Judgement and analysis are not enough." -- Edward de Bono.
Design Thinking provides a structured process to approach problems systemically, creatively and rationally. My version of this approach is summarised by the diagram below.
Key characteristics of this framework:
- User-centred: works from a strong foundation of understanding the people, the context and the problem.
- Solution-based: focuses on generating a solution in the future, one that is based on a clear and shared understanding of the problem.
- Strengths-based: works with the client’s strengths and abilities in determining what is “best.”
- Left- and right-brain balanced: combines both blue-sky creative play and rational decision-making/analysis.
