Creativity: Generating Ideas
Learning objectives
- Explain the difference between divergent thinking and convergent thinking, and when each is appropriate.
- Use proven ideation techniques (e.g. brainstorm, SCAMPER, mind mapping, analogical thinking, morphological matrix) to generate multiple ideas.
- Break down a complex or ambiguous problem (deconstruction) to surface underlying assumptions or sub-problems that can spark novel possibilities.
- Use metacognitive monitoring to detect when idea flow is stalling and apply a reset or pivot strategy (e.g. forced association, random prompts).
- Reflect on idea-generation sessions to identify which mental strategies or environmental conditions produced the richest ideas, and plan improvements for next iteration.
Course overview
Many people struggle to generate ideas consistently, especially when problems feel vague or pressure to be “right” shows up too early. Learning how to separate idea expansion from evaluation makes creative thinking more reliable and less intimidating. When you practice structured techniques for generating and refining ideas, you’re better equipped to move from uncertainty to workable solutions.
The individuals involved in the development and promotion of this course do not receive any compensation or financial benefits outside of their regular employment for their work on this course.
- 7 minutes
- Format: Video
- Tier: 1
- Course ID: 7404
English
Course Outline
- Techniques for Generating Ideas
- Breaking Down Problems To Spark Ideas
- Using Metacognition
- Learning From the Process