*** Welcome to piglix ***

Creative problem-solving


Creative problem-solving, a type of problem solving, is the mental process of searching for a new and novel creative solution to a problem, a solution which is novel, original and not obvious.

To qualify as creative problem-solving, the solution must solve the stated problem in a novel way, and the solution must be reached independently.

Creative problem-solving usually begins with defining the problem. This may lead to a simple non-creative solution, or to finding a "textbook solution". The creative problem-solving process may also lead to the discovery of prior art and of creative solutions by others. The process, in these cases, may then be abandoned, if the discovered solution is "good enough".

Typically a creative solution will have 'elegant' characteristics such as using existing components without introducing any new components into the solution (i.e. "no moving parts"), using the problematic factor as the basis for the solution (i.e. "using the Philistine's sword against him"), or involving a change of perspective (i.e. the line through nine dots riddle).

Many times a solution is considered creative if components that are readily available can be used, and when there is a short time limit within which to solve the problem. These two factors are typical to the solutions shown in the MacGyver (TV series).

If a creative solution has broad use, it may be referred to as an innovative solution or an innovation. The term innovation may also refer to the process of creating those innovative solutions.

"All innovations [begin] as creative solutions, but not all creative solutions become innovations."

If an innovation is unique, original and novel, it is considered an invention. It must be original - not known to people who are knowledgeable in the field of the solution, and novel - not an obvious solution, easily conceived by people with knowledge in the field of that solution - when shown the problem.

Not all inventions are created through creative problem-solving. Inventions may be 'discovered' or 'contemplated', many times without a 'problem to solve', or solving a problem that they originally were not intended for. But many inventions in fact are the outcome of creative problem-solving.

An invention can become intellectual property if the inventor files and receives a patent, which is a legal document, where the invention is clearly defined, and which shows proof of its uniqueness, originality and novelty.


...
Wikipedia

...