Definition
Creativity is the ability to generate novel and valuable ideas, solutions, or products. In the context of foresight and futures thinking, creativity involves imagining and conceptualising possible future scenarios, innovative solutions to anticipated challenges, and new opportunities that may arise from emerging trends.
Example
World Wide Web
A real-world example of creativity in futures thinking is the development of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. Berners-Lee envisioned a future where information could be shared globally and instantaneously, leading to the creation of a system that fundamentally transformed communication, commerce, and society.
Ask yourself
- How can I approach problems from unconventional angles?
- What if I combine seemingly unrelated concepts or trends?
- How might current limitations be overcome in the future?
- What assumptions am I making that might be limiting my thinking?
- How can I create an environment that fosters creative thinking?
Tools
- Mind Mapping: Visual brainstorming technique to explore connections between ideas.
- SCAMPER Technique: Prompts to Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, or Reverse elements of a problem or solution.
- Design Thinking: User-centred approach to problem-solving that encourages innovative solutions.
- Morphological Analysis: Systematic method for considering all possible combinations of solution components.
- Scenario Planning: Creating and analysing multiple possible future scenarios to stimulate creative thinking about potential outcomes and responses.
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