This is something that is done so ubiquitously that it might seem strange to even discuss or question it. When we really think about it, however, it is clear that this common office layout technique only exists for one reason: space efficiency. While, yes, commercial office yields have been going up (depending on what part … Continue reading A Major Office Design Frustration
This is a post I write for myself as much as any other reason. I once tried to keep a dream journal. Frequently I would wake up, vivid images of my dream from the night before resonating in my head. I won’t bother writing this down, I can remember it too clearly. Sure enough, moments … Continue reading Capture Your Ideas
You might think that from the title of this post, I am going to spend this post proselytizing breaking any rules in order to be truly creative. If so, you’d only be half right. The other thing you might be thinking is a saying you may have heard: “To break the rules, first you must … Continue reading Follow the Rules, or Break the Rules?
The benefits of working collaboratively on creative pursuits are numerous. Stimulating new ideas, gathering resources and offering new perspectives are just a few ways that collaboration helps you. But say you are in a team, or leading a team, how could you possibly gauge how much people are “working together?” A somewhat older study into … Continue reading The Power of Collective Voice
In 1968 Robert Propst invented what has become one of the most hated modern inventions: the cubicle. However, in 1968 it wasn’t the cubicle. It was Action Office II and it looked and functioned quite differently. It is worth pointing out that the cubicle as many of us picture it today, looks nothing like what … Continue reading Contradictions in Creativity: The Story of Cubicles
Many people would know that Charles Darwin is credited with describing the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in his landmark work, The Origin of Species. Surely, one can say this was a very creative theory. Not only did it challenge current beliefs, but was based on the analysis and synthesis of several distant concepts. … Continue reading Do Other People Decide if You’re “Creative” or Not?
In his book, The Art of Creative Thinking, Rod Judkins, in advising how to strengthen creative thought, says “Doubt Everything.” I certainly don’t disagree. Doubting everything, especially things others assume to be true, is a great way of finding fresh ideas and new takes on old problems. However, with most pieces of advice regarding creativity, … Continue reading How to Doubt and Question Without Creating Fear in the Workplace
I am not the first person to say this and, to be honest, it has been said enough times by enough people that it no longer feels like it must be proven. Our society regards being wrong in a negative way. Most of us are brought up like this, with big red X’s when we … Continue reading Making Mistakes
I read this article by Richard Branson here. Pretty straightforward: some tips on generating new ideas from one of the most successful entreprenuers. Upon reading the ideas presented in this article, something very clear was being said. The tips are summarised thusly: Start conversations on social media. Comments you generate can lead to inspiration. Reading and … Continue reading About Richard Branson’s Tips on Generating Ideas
It is probably no surprise to anyone that Knowledge and Creativity share an interesting relationship. You need some knowledge about any domain in order to be able to create – but can you have too much knowledge? Rod Judkins says in his book, The Art of Creative Thinking, to “be like a beginner.” He describes … Continue reading Are You Too Smart to be Creative?
producing creativity 