What it is

“Creative Problem Solving” (CPS) - is a structured approach to problem solving that address the inbuilt shortcomings of the way our brains work.  The version set out here is based on separating divergent (right-brain) and convergent (left-brain) thinking, and tackling problems using a managed process that switches from one mode to the other and back in a controlled and deliberate manner.  This helps improve the range of options and information considered, leading to better results.

Why you might need it

We (humans) evolved pattern-matching and speed-optimised brains to  help deal with a complex world.  These include:

These tricks work pretty well most of the time: stereotyping evolved for a reason.  Ask any of our now-extinct mammalian competitors.  However, our built in tricks can fail, particularly where we face circumstances evolution hasn't equipped us to deal with.

Our brains evolved in an environment that included some features of our modern world (friends, enemies, family, strangers, scant resources, predators, conflict and so on) but not others (mortgages, long life expectancy, vast amounts of cultural information, cities, business organisations).  So, some things we handle naturally - but not everything.  Where our built in approach falls short, taking a structured approach to the process and using CPS can help us deal with our blind spots.

In particular, CPS exploits the fact that the two hemispheres of our brain tend to specialise in different types of thinking (see the bicameral mind), and that normally we approach problems in “left-brain” mode - the ‘logical, reductionist and analytical style’. Whilst effective in many circumstances, this style tends to block creative approaches and can limit the options and choices considered.  Using the 'divergent, connecting' style of right brain thinking (see bicameral minds) can help get out of the rut.

When to use CPS

Formal CPS is useful where what you've tied so far either isn’t working, or hasn’t worked as well as you want or need it to.  It's especially appropriate where you sense you've somehow got stuck.

It can also be useful if dealing with new or unfamiliar problems, and for handling problems that are particularly complex ("wicked" is often used) or that have major consequences.

How do you know you have a problem that needs CPS?

One definition of a problem is "anything that isn't how you want it to be" - see problems in the techniques pages.  If you don't have any - congratulations!

Go to "CPS Process" for the model (text version for left brain thinkers) or CPS Graphic for a picture of this (for right brain thinkers).  The Precepts pages set out some ideas about the context you need to put the model into practice.