How to get the higher side of creativity using the dynamic Mind
Mapping method
One of the specific aspects of creative thinking is the DO IT
technique method outlined by Robert W Olsen in his book 'The Art
of Creative Thinking'. It is an efficient method for defining
problems and finding effective and creative solutions. This
method helps you to draw the best out of the creativity
techniques.
DO IT is essentially an acronym for D - Define Problem; O -
Opening your mind and applying creative techniques; I -
Identifying best possible solutions; T - Transforming them into
concrete actions.
D - To define the problem accurately, you will have look at the
problem in its entirety. You have to get at the root of the
problem so you know that you are dealing with the causative
factors, and not with the symptoms. If the problem is large or
big, you could break them into smaller and meaningful components
so the problem assumes greater clarity and widest dimension.
Include the constraints contained in each aspect of the problem
so you cover the problems in their fullest range. Summarizing
the problem will help in getting at the crux of the problem
clearly.
O - Once the problems areas are identified, you could begin
finding solutions by looking at them from all angles.
Brainstorming is invariably an effective method for coming out
with solutions. Ideally, you could use group brainstorming,
where effective thinkers and implementers could be included to
present their solutions to the problem. It is important that
even the most ridiculous and the weird are given full expression
and accepted without any criticism or questioning. It is often
found that the most abnormal and wildest of ideas generally lead
to most creative solutions. So suppressing them or negating them
will deny scope from creative inputs.
I - Identifying the best solutions for the problem or problems
on hand involves the next step. Often the best solution may turn
out to be costly or may have limitations, not immediately
apparent to you. You have to go the whole length and explore the
solutions to weigh how far they could be effective. You could
see whether the solutions fall within the overall goals of the
organization or your own. This will determine the extent to
which you can go for giving shape to the solutions looking from
the future perspective.
T - This is the final stage of transforming the creative
solution into a reality. It involves not just the creation of
product or services, but also about taking care of the marketing
and business aspects of the creative plan. This is one area
where more creative thinkers falter because they fail to ensure
its commercial and economic viability. It is crucial an Action
Plan is set for transformation of the creative solution that
includes business and marketing plans. You have to sincerely try
all avenues unmindful of hurdles or rejections that you may
encounter to actualize them. As always perseverance pays.
The common and conventional method for using the DO IT technique
is the usual linear method of listing. If you were instead, to
use Mind Maps, you will realize you have an excellent tool on
hand. Mind Mapping allows you to record all the problems and
solutions easily and concisely, and renders the whole exercise
meaningful and simple. When a complete Mind Map is formed using
the DO IT technique, you gain a full picture, which provides the
necessary association and links between different elements of
your creative process and solution. These are completely absent
in the regular listing type method.
By using Mind Maps you can register all the brainstorming ideas
quickly as they arise and analyze how they can be connected to
alleviating the problems. Because the big picture of the entire
creative process is mapped on, it becomes easy to assess the
impact and gauge its full impact to come out with the most
creative solutions. Association and concepts are crucial
elements to creativity and Mind Maps provide the greatest scope
that is not available in any other method; hence the superiority
of the Mind Mapping method. They make for simple and yet highly
powerful technique. As in everything else, you have to try Mind
Mapping technique to understand its significance and dynamism.
Time you used Mind Mapping to see for yourself.