Reflection Blog #5

I hope that this final reflection Blog is about all the things I have learned in our class of Creativity and Problem Awareness (because that is what I intended to write). Just in case, I would like to share with you our first-hand experience in applying all we have learned through the Creative Pitch Project and at the same time, I’ll tour you inside my canvas, my notebook for this Semester (ignore the handwriting, it is written in a language that only I could understand. LOL)

Phase 1

VISUAL THINKING

           

Before our group mates even discussed what will we be doing for the Creative Pitch, I have thought of random ideas and visualize them as if it was already done and I am already using. Yes, what I first imagined for this project was an invention; like pants that is especially designed to be worn for both land and water, shoes that can be transformed into slippers and into sandals and a piggy bank money dispenser (now that’s ambitious!). Yes, all of these are just fun visions for the upcoming plan but I think this kind of exercise, if I would define it, is a good preparation for the creative process that our group will encounter for the Final Project.

  Phase 2

CREATIVITY

            When the time has come for our group to meet and think of what we would be doing for the Creative Pitch, we all expected that everyone would be in their “creative mode” so that we could have a lot of ideas to choose from and to develop these ideas to be our final project. Of course being in a “creative mode” is not as easy as eating a cotton candy. It takes time before one could be engaged into this mode. There are different strokes for different folks. Some may pertain to food, setting or even their physical appearances for their motivation. While other cling to an “inspiration”, which is sometimes indefinable, and often just an excuse, oh well different stroke for different folks. For our group, for us to be in our own “creative mode”, I would say we talked about anything under the sun while eating lunch. After we ate, we find a perfect location to have our creative process. After we have decided the place we will be having our creative process, then that was the time, I would say, that our group was already in our own “creative mode".

 Phase 3

CREATIVE PROCESS

The Creative process is not as easy as you’ve imagined.  Because all of the techniques have the same use and benefits, it is hard to choose a technique to follow with our creative process. After having an initial sharing of our random creative thoughts, we have decided to use the Mandala of Japanese Creativity (Tatsuno, 1990). It is nice to know that we could really use a Japanese technique in our project since it is not really the usual technique to be used, especially for us Filipinos, but I really respect their method since it had helped our project to reach it full potential.

 

Phase 4

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION & IDEA GENERATION

Within the creative process, Problem Identification and Idea Generation took place. We did not perform the mind mapping technique, because I personally think that it may not help us in generating ideas when we identify the problem. We had a fusion of Problematique method and Brainstorming. We had the type of discussion wherein we tell the problem then we pitch in the solution. This problem was still being broken down through asking the question WHY and after answering it, another suggestion was pitched for the development of the solution. I am not sure if it has been 100% effective but it surely save a lot of time and avoids our minds to be stressed out of all the creative thinking (because the left brain should also work, even in this situation, to balance everything), just my opinion. ;) For the evaluation part, we used the Six Thinking hats for the so-called idea-refinement of the Mandala of the Japanese Creativity. I personally believed that the Six Thinking hats would fit the demands asked by the Idea refinement and actually it has been helpful and successful.

 

Phase 5

ORGANIZATIONAL CREATIVITY

For this phase, I would say that even after the creative process, the group is still in their “creative mode” when it comes to its refinement and testing/implementation. This just shows how my group mates used their creative qualities into the group work. Everyone has been open to comment and suggestions even after the evaluation. What is more interesting after finishing the Creative Pitch, we went back from where we started which is a good conversation about almost anything then decided to dismiss the creative process. I am happy with what we have accomplished all throughout the semester and I am thankful for what I have learned in my 1^st semester here in Ateneo.

Goodbye Blog….

At least for now…

Thank you and God bless everyone!

Reflection Blog #4

Due to confusions of schedule and inefficient multi-tasking, here is my 4^th Blog.

So what am I suppose to be Doing, or Making, or Dreaming about?

The discussion of Problem Identification and Idea Generation is I think the most interesting part of this whole creativity and problem solving class. This is not just a lecture that needs to be taught to us just because it is included in the handouts, but this is a lesson that will provide us information which we can apply to our nature of work or simply in dealing with our everyday dilemmas, big or small. Well, this definitely applies to a group of people but I think because of the unlimited capabilities and ideas our brain can produce, sometimes this process is needed by oneself too.

Is it the project, or lack of funds?

            Problem Identification for some is as easy as singing in a shower but in reality it is as hard as a flagpole that fell on your head. If you are certain that you know your problem, you should be in doubt right now if I told asked you if that is the root cause? Yes, it may suggest complications but I think it’s up to the person if he wants to know the root of it and if he/she has the “power” to change it, then his/her problem identification process has been deeper and more successful compared to someone eating 1 slice of bread and an ice cream for lunch because his head hurts and he’s on a diet. Well, that’s not me. ;)

Why do I need to ask myself and answer the question I asked to myself?

Obviously no one can answer it but me.

            One may use the Problematique method, a method that is very common in gag shows, stand-up comedy or even to talkative kids who enjoy life by asking 100 questions a day (or sometimes, an hour). State your basic problem then ask a series of the 1-word question----WHY. Ask why that problem become as it is for your life. I know it’s a bit crazy since you are asking yourself and at the same time answering your own queries until you cannot answer anymore, but it would really help you in finding the things that causes it to be a problem. Naturally, all of the answers from these questions are related to each other, thus giving you a clear idea on how you can solve your problem in the most effective and methodological way possible. And it works triple the benefit when you use it in groups. It lessens the possibility of triggering mental and psychological disorders.

If Mind is to Brain, then Map is to Storm?

Once you have fully identified the main problem and its constituents, now is the time to generate ideas through these techniques. Mind Mapping and Brain Storming. For me, Mind Mapping is more of an effective Idea Generator for oneself. Brain Storming is more effective as an Idea Generator in a group, which is two or more (even if it suggests an 8 person group to perform this technique).

Mind-Mapping, from the term itself connotes to proper arrangement of thoughts and ideas for a certain problem or solution. It's like your organized closet (if it is organized. haha). I think it has the same nature of that of the Problematique method, the only difference is Mind-Mapping searches for subordinate solutions for the main solution while Problematique method is searching for the main problem and its subordinate problems. Kind of tongue twister-ish but I think I have a point. ;)

            And who doesn’t want to experience storming his brain until its fried? Sounds disturbing but Brainstorming could actually be a fun activity before the application of the solution to the problem. For me, brainstorming is not as effective as mind mapping when it comes to groups. If you often had arguments with other people because of different beliefs, movie ratings and paying debts that are long due; Mind Mapping will not help you in generating ideas whenever you’re in a group. Brainstorming has lesser structure and freedom given to all compared to mind-mapping that is why it encourages sensible arguments and promotes a friendly atmosphere. Just set few and reasonable rules so that brainstorming in a group would be as easy as riding a skip train.

Don’t judge the book by its cover.

Judge the book by Thinking Hats and SCAMPER.

The two processes in Evaluating Ideas has been a useful tool for me and they are very unique with each other. Thinking hats evaluate ideas that are more of a project or a plan. It can effectively evaluate proposals for a problem that affects a lot of people. Government projects and Company plans are where the 6 thinking hats can be the King of evaluating ideas.

When it comes to the SCAMPER method, I personally think that this type of Idea Evaluation is destined for innovation and inventions. New products, recipes, appliances, household tools, booths and other newly transformed materials can be effectively evaluated through this method. Because of its meticulous and very specific method, it suggests that your invention would be useful (or more than useful) with what you are expecting it to do.

The project that somehow made my dreams…..Recorded. ;)

I know that creativity is really out of the logical and analytical way of thinking but these processes are not required for anyone to use and apply through their creative process. They are just like good old friends who would tap your shoulder and help you throughout your journey in the creative process. They maybe disadvantageous with time but they make it up to you once you have finished their conditions. And thus, the birth of my Dream Project. Enjoy. Hahaha.

“PUTAHE”