Release your creative abilities!

Test 1: From the Torrance Creativity Test

Test 2: What do you see?

The creative person can easily switch between the duck and the rabbit…

Thinking “outside the box”

Exercise 1: Puzzling Escape A prisoner was trying to escape from a tower. In his cell, there was a rope, but it was only half as long as he needed to reach the ground safely. He cut the rope in half, tied the two parts together, and escaped. How could he have done this?

?

Answer: He cut the rope lengthwise!

Exercise 2: What will happen when the person lets go of the log?

Answer: It depends!

Case 1: On the earth’s surface

Case 2: Underwater

Case 3: In outer space

Tips for increasing creativity

TIP: Give yourself an “idea quota” A quota is a number—either a lower limit that you have to reach or an upper limit that you can’t go over. In brainstorming, force yourself to come up with a certain number of ideas in a short period of time. List all ideas, no matter how crazy they are.

After you have your list, play around with the different ideas: “SCAMPER” Ｓ Substitute （替代）何物可被『取代』？ Ｃ Combine ( 合併 ) 可與何物合併而成為一體 ? Ａ Adapt ( 調適 ) 原物可否有需要調整的地方？ Ｍ Modify （修改）可否改變原物的某些特質如意義、顏 色、聲音、形式等？ Ｐ Put to other uses （其 他用途） 可有其他非傳統的用途？ E Eliminate （消除）可否將原物變小？濃縮？或省略某些 部份？使其變得更完備、更精緻？ R Re-arrange （重排） Reverse （顛倒） 重組或重新安排原物的排序？或把相 對的位置對調？

Scamper: “To run or go quickly and lightly: children scampering off to play”

SCAMPER -- 設計大樓二樓餐廳 Ｓ Substitute （替代） Ｃ Combine ( 合併 ) Ａ Adapt ( 調適 ) Ｍ Modify （修改） Ｐ Put to other uses （其他用途） E Eliminate （消除） R Re-arrange （重 排）, Reverse （顛倒）

How many uses can you think of for these two objects?

Challenge: “Invent” something by combining these two objects.

TIP: Imagine how things would be done faraway, either in space or time. Imagine your creative task being done in a faraway place. Imagine your creative task being done in the future.

TIP: Read absurd stories. The human mind strives to find meaning. Absurd things make the brain work harder.

TIP: Try combining ideas. Put impossible opposites together. Try ridiculous combinations.

INNOVATION

TIP: Stop trying to solve the problem for a while. People often jump to answers too quickly before they've really thought about the question. Spend more time conceptualizing (picturing) the problem.

TIP: Dare to be different. Don’t act as if your ideas will be graded or considered "right" or "wrong.“ Unfortunately, parents and teachers may view creative ideas as “wrong” or “rebellious.” Example: Harry Chapin’s song, “Flowers Are Red”

TIP: Change your environment.

Change your environment Stress can decrease a person’s ability to be creative. If you feel confined or stressed, move to a more relaxing location, such as a garden or a balcony.

TIP: Drink water, have a bite. Your brain cells may not be working at their best if you are hungry or thirsty.

TIP: Get enough rest. If you're tired, take a break. You think better when you are well rested.