Envisioning Possibilities – Creativity
Four Creativity Tools
With fun
Mind Mapping – SCAMPER – Six Thinking Hats – Random Words
1. Mind Mapping: A visual tool for organizing thoughts and ideas in a hierarchical structure, typically starting from a central concept or theme and branching out into related subtopics. It stimulates associative thinking by allowing users to freely connect concepts, enabling brainstorming, problem-solving, and planning
Mind Mapping Madness: Mind mapping is like drawing a treasure map to explore the vast landscapes of your imagination. Draw a circle with you in the center and three people you might imagine yourself as being.
- SCAMPER Technique
An acronym representing a set of thinking prompts to stimulate creative problem-solving and idea generation. SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse/Rearrange. Each letter prompts the thinker to approach a problem or idea from a different angle, encouraging innovation and divergent thinking
For Fun – Embark on a wild adventure through the jungle of your mind with the SCAMPER safari! Grab your binoculars and explore the terrain, substituting trees for ideas, combining creatures for new inventions, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape. It’s an expedition of creativity where every twist and turn leads to discovery and innovation!
3. Six Thinking Hats Spectacular
Six Thinking Hats: Developed by Edward de Bono, this method involves wearing different metaphorical “hats” to approach a problem or decision from six distinct perspectives: white for facts and information, red for emotions and intuition, black for critical judgment, yellow for optimism and positivity, green for creativity and new ideas, and blue for managing the thinking process. By systematically considering various viewpoints, individuals or groups can enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity.
For Fun – Step right up to the greatest show of creative thinking on Earth! Put on your fanciest top hat and join the circus of ideas with the Six Thinking Hats Spectacular! Juggle facts, tame wild emotions, walk the tightrope of critical judgment, and leap through hoops of creativity. With each act, you’ll amaze and astound with your dazzling displays of problem-solving prowess!
- Random Word/Stimulus Technique:
A technique that involves using random words or stimuli to trigger new associations and ideas. Participants generate random words or images and then brainstorm connections between them and a specific problem or challenge
For Fun Random Word Rodeo*: Saddle up, partners! It’s time to wrangle some wild ideas at the Random Word Rodeo! Grab your lasso and rope in those pesky problems with the most unexpected of tools – random words! Ride the range of your imagination as you corral concepts and steer them toward the sunset of success. Yeehaw!
For more information about DeBono’s “Six Thinking Hats, I’m including my affiliate link https://amzn.to/4am15dk
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
Conflict Resolution Starts with Conversation
In design and in business conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a client who changes direction mid-project or a team member who misses a deadline, tensions can rise fast. But most conflicts don’t come from bad intentions; they come from miscommunication. The good news? Strong communication skills can turn potential clashes into opportunities for collaboration and clarity.
Motivating Your Team Through Powerful Words
Design leadership isn’t just about making creative choices—it’s about motivating the people who bring those choices to life. The right words can turn a project into a movement.
Organizing a Speech Like You Organize a Space: Function Meets Flow
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler Designers know that great spaces aren’t accidents; they’re carefully planned for flow, balance, and purpose. The same rule applies to speeches: when your structure works, your message shines. ...
Know your Audience: Tailoring Presentations
Whether you’re pitching to a client, a builder, or a board, one size never fits all. The secret to a powerful presentation lies in knowing exactly who’s in the room—and speaking their language.
Fear is a Signal
Fear is a signal - not a stop sign Even the most polished designer has felt that familiar flutter before stepping on stage or into a client presentation. Your palms sweat, your voice trembles, and your perfectly crafted ideas suddenly feel tangled. But...
Grammar Matters
In a world where your words represent your brand, grammar isn’t just about correctness it’s about credibility. You can have the best ideas in the room, but if your sentences stumble, people stop listening. When you speak (or write) with precision, you project professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail qualities every successful designer and business owner needs.