Invent Creativity

Posted by admin at October 26th, 2008

Wow did you read that, I just guaranteed that you will become a problem solving genius utilizing systems diagrams. For the record I do believe everyone is capable, but the outcome is dependant on how hard you are willing to work and strive for that brilliant idea.

Psychologists have studied the nature of human problem solving methods over the past hundred years. There are several methods of studying problem solving, including; introspection, behaviorism, simulation, computer modeling, and experiment.

Now if I sit here and explain what each one of those methods includes and how it is used, I wouldn’t be able get to the real bread and butter. Bottom Line: A solution has to be simple, and cannot be complicated.

Systems Diagram

A system diagram is a great way to help you understand how something works and the steps the system takes. When broken down into visuals it helps us understand the problem as simple as possible. Lets use an example.

As an Advertising consultant there are some common problems I come across when I begin to work with organizations. Since I can best demonstrate problem solving through the industry I work in, I will use advertising as the example. Please note that this methodology can be applied to any industry.

• Problem: ACME Inc. is struggling to maintain its market share as its competitors aggressively acquire its share in the market. This uncertainty in the market has caused reduced sales for ACME Inc. and also diminishes the brand loyalty. This negative perception can hurt long-term business growth and potentially devastate the financial standpoint of the organization. Bringing consistent layoffs, reduction in research and development, and less funding to seek company growth. ACME Inc. must aggressively tackle this new up and coming issue while cash flow remains positive.

Well sure that sentence sums up the problem, but if you are reading a brief, with multiple problems, this can be cumbersome to understand, let alone solve. That is why when I am briefed I make doodles. Yes I doodle out the problem rather than write it out. It just makes more sense to me. Here is the same problem visually. Now you tell me which one is easier to understand. The words or the visuals? Also keep in mind that it is human nature to forget things, and therefore we look back at our notes. Which one of the two is quicker to browse, the visual or the words?

This was a fairly easy problem to draw out visually. Often times people tend to struggle when the problem has many components and becomes complex. Regardless of the situation, you must come up with your own conventions to understanding things.

For example to me circles with a line going down can be a representation of a person. Simple. And of course you will have to practice making system diagrams, but eventually it will be easy to draw out. Try it out on simple math problems. Visually demonstrating the problem can often lead to the “ahh haa” moment to solving the problem, and avoiding silly mistakes. It is also a great way to gearing your mind into visual thinking. It is a very powerful tool, and might I add rare individuals utilize visual thinking. When was the last time you were sitting next to someone who draws notes out rather than write? If you are one of the few “true visual” thinkers, think about your personal marketability…

Happy Systems Diagramming

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

Posted by admin at October 16th, 2008

Lets be honest here. We all get these voices that talk us out of things and inhibit us from moving forward. I admit that I get these voices; voices of doubt and most of all fear of rejection. We are wired to talk ourselves, which is what we call the simple concept of “thinking”. Often it is by hearing another story of rejection, or another story of failure. If you are busy listening to this voice how can you actively channel your thoughts to solve the problem?

When I was going to college, I choose a design school where I faced a new unapparent challenge. I was put in a room with hundreds of other creative individuals who had a similar thought process as I did. Eventually we were competing for the A in the class by having the most creative projects and executions. From the very beginning I started to hear that voice, and the times I felt more pressure I would hear more voices of doubt and concern. 

Luckily one day as I was sitting down to work on a project I realized after three hours I had gotten nowhere. My advertising campaign had no concept and the deadline was only a couple days away. At that moment I realized, the only reason I had gone nowhere was because of the voice. That very voice slowed me down and made me feel like I was a creative hack. I mean come on, three hours and no ideas? I realized that instead of focusing my energy on what I needed to solve, I focused it on that negative voice. 

The moment I started to catch myself is the day I started executing my projects more naturally. Ideas started flowing left and right. It was a matter of positive mental clarity. All it took was realizing when the voice becomes negative and hitting mute. Eventually the voice dies down, and it becomes just another sound in the crowd. The real positive voice that helps you solve problems is the one you want to listen to. It is the voice that inspires great ideas. So if you are still stuck in the same boat of problems, what are your thoughts focused more on? Solving it so you can fix it, or wondering about it so you can think about it over and over again?

Happy Thoughts
Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com

Posted by admin at October 8th, 2008

I recently had a discussion with a close friend of mine in regards to passion and career. She has chosen a new path in life in relation to her career, and along the way she frequently receives negative criticism as to why she choose it. If that isn’t enough already, she receives further criticism on how there are better options out there that are higher in social status.

Unfortunately this criticism occurs often, far more than it should. I recall receiving criticism when I choose to attend a Design School over a traditional University. It was inferred that I would fail, or that it would be one of the greatest mistakes of my life. However, not once did those assumptions stop me for pursuing my passion.  As I step back, I see myself farther than my peers in terms of accomplishments and success.

What does this have to do with Creativity?

I define creativity as “the formation of ideas that ‘WOW’ ”

It’s simple if you think about it. Passion is a desire and enthusiasm for something. When you allow yourself to explore that desire, you no longer worry about understanding its complexities. Your focus is on accomplishing that goal that craves within you thereby naturally channeling creativity into your work.

Example:

If you hand an artist a pad and pen, he/she is likely to draw something interesting and also likely to continue drawing for a longer period of time. Give a mathematician a pad and pen, the outcome may not be equivalent to the artist. He/she is not as likely to have the same motivation as the artist to draw. Rather he/she may begin to solve a mathematical problem. Both the artist and mathematician have a pad and pen, but they utilize the medium to their own desires and interest.

If you do not pursuit what it is you desire, or rather inhibit someone to pursuit his/her desire, how can one expect innovation? Creativity starts with a passion for what it is you are doing. Then it is a matter of innovating to be different, to stand out, and most of all be known and respected for what you do. Creativity is passion explored.

Mitesh Solanki

mitesh@inventcreativity.com