Creativity has always been a hurtle for me, at least when it comes to the aesthetic design.  Solving the problem is usually not the issue, but making it look pretty can be. I've noticed that as the semester has progressed, I've been able to push a little of my pre-conceived notions aside regarding designs. One example of this occurred during the brainstorming session required for the third homework. I found that I was fighting for the innovative, different, "outlandish" ideas more so than the standard solutions to the given problems. Some members of the team had great difficulty even accepting that there should be solutions that were non-standard.

    A second way in which I have changed is that I realize more my position and role when it comes to a team type of environment. The teaming session allowed me to see where my strengths and weaknesses lie which helped me see where I needed to pursue further strengthening. Since then, I have Tried to think more openly about possible design solutions and options. One example of this would be that in another one of my classes (Manufacturing Automation), a final project was required, of which a portion lay on the design of (layout of) a factory. Instead of relying on my previous knowledge in this area, I researched several new, different design possibilities. In this process I gained an insight to a solution of the problem which I hadn't  previously even considered.

    In order to assist in my creativity "improvements", I've done some research online, and tried to follow some of the schemas detailed therein to free up my creative juices. A couple of these exercises were found at the following places:

1. Mind Tools: A portion of this website is directed specifically to improving creativity. Interestingly enough, one of the methods suggested were the SCAMPER method and Brainstorming, both of which were detailed in class. Two other concepts I found interesting were the Reversal and Random Input approaches. I have since used the Random Input approach where I work to help solve a design problem I had with a new product. The preferred presentation of this product could not be attained due to manufacturing constraints. To help solve this problem, I looked around my desk for any random article to aid in the solution. As it turned out, the answer was sitting on the floor, right next to my desk. There was an existing item that I could alter slightly, modify its form and represent to fit the as a solution to the problem. This product is now in the prototype stage, and should be on the market by the spring of next year (wish I could say more, but I don't want to give the competition a leg up).

2. Creative Thinking: Less useful, but still informative, this website had several ideas as well, on how to increase your creative ability. Again, there were topics discussed in class posted here (Combining Random Items), as well as others I was not familiar with. One such method I had not had experience with was the Lotus-Blossom approach. With this scenario, you start with one idea, problem, etc. written down in the center of a grid. Surround this idea on all eight sides with solutions, dimensions, components, etc. for this task. You then expand up on these eight "solutions" by placing eight more refinements around these. Through this process, a better grasp can be obtained of the problem at hand, and what may be the best solution for this problem. An image detailing this procedure, taken from the website is below:

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