Creative problem-solving: Difference between revisions

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== Creative solution types ==

The process of creative problem-solving usually begins with defining the problem. This may lead to finding a simple non-creative solution, a textbook solution, or discovering prior solutions developed by other individuals. If the discovered solution is sufficient, the process may then be abandoned.<ref name=":0">[http://www.creativeeducationfoundation.org/creative-problem-solving/ Definition of creative problem solving] on Alex Osborn's (inventor of the term and process of [[brainstorming]]) Creative Education Foundation website.</ref><ref>[[wikt:problem|Problem definition]]{{deadcite linkweb|dateurl=August 2017https://www.advertisingbusiness.org/why-do-most-creative-problem-solving-attempts-never-reach-the-creative-stage/ |bottitle=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} inWhy presentationDo onMost creativeCreative problemProblem-solving,Solving Attempts Never onReach the [[UniversityCreative ofStage? Arizona]]|date= website5 June 2025 }}</ref>

A creative solution will often have distinct characteristics that include using only existing components, or the problematic factor, as the basis for the solution. However, a change of perspective may in many cases be helpful.<ref>[http://www.creativethinkingassoc.com/mikevance.html Mike Vence about the 9 dots as a corporate promotion of creative thinking] at the [[Walt Disney Company]] (Creative Thinking Association website)</ref> A solution may also be considered creative if readily available components can be used to solve the problem within a short time limit.

If a creative solution has a broad application, such that the usage goes beyond the original intent, it may be referred to as an innovative solution, or an [[innovation]] (some innovations may also be considered an [[invention]]).

== Techniques and tools ==

Many techniques and tools employed for creating effective solutions to a problem are described in [[creativity techniques]] and [[problem-solving]] articles.