At the heart of the CPS model are tools and techniques that expand our attention to include information and options our brains would otherwise filter out. CPS works through cycles of expansion and contraction - divergence and convergence - that help include more information in decision-making process. Several stages of the diverge-converge cycle are usually involved, and at each stage the possibility of cycling back to an earlier point in the process is also an option. Overall, the model looks something like this:

1.       Problem

(a)   Diverge: Explore and consider the problem and identify how this could be restated or expressed a different way.

(b)   Converge: Review problem statements, and select best.

 2.       Options

(a)   Diverge: Generate as many options and ideas as possible.

(b)   Converge: Group ideas/options, and select most promising or interesting to work on.

3.       Implementation Choices

(a)   Diverge: For each option, consider how you might implement, and make work.

(b)   Converge: Select most promising ideas and options.

 4.         Plan

(a)   Diverge: For chosen idea/option, consider how to implement - what will happen/hinder, and how to succeed.

(b)   Converge: Filter and summarise into a plan for action.

 5.       Do

 6.       Reflect and Learn

This model follows the original ideas of Sidney J Parnes, first developed in the 1960s, and widely used and developed since then.  There are many variants!

We're usually better at "Converging" than "Diverging", so developing your creativity often means building your ability to diverge.  Types of techniques for this include  are to Involve Others, to use Random Stimuli, and using Other Modes.  There is also a page on Convergent Thinking.  The process also needs a supportive context: see Listening and Facilitation.

Another take on Creativity: Forced Evolution

One way of looking at the Creative Problem Solving process is that it is a form of forced evolution.  The CPS model is (in part): start - make random changes - select best - repeat.  The only difference between this and normal evolution is that selection is guided (Lamarckian, rather than Darwinian, perhaps).  Like evolution, it can take some time to get results - but these can be truly astonishing, if you just trust the process, and give it space and time to work.

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