Creative Problem-Solving: Its Two Forms

An adaption of Jonah Lehrer's new book, "Imagine: How Creativity Works," appeared this weekend as The Wall Street Journal's Saturday Essay. It's an interesting read, particularly in the way Mr. Lehrer describes the application of creativity in problem-solving.

According to Mr. Lehrer, creative problems come in two general forms: those requiring insight, and those requiring industry. The former--that is, creative problems requiring insight--are often solved through the introduction of novelty, while the latter--creative problems requiring industry--find their solution through trials of tinkering, experimentation, and the exhaustion of possibilities.

Day-dreaming, grogginess, and exposure to a variety of information and experience tend to help with solving insight problems, while diligence, patience, and logic help with industry problems.

As Mr. Lehrer points out, however, it's not always clear what type of problem one is facing. In his own words:

"If different kinds of creative problems benefit from different kinds of creative thinking, how can we ensure that we're thinking in the right way at the right time? When should we daydream and go for a relaxing stroll, and when should we keep on sketching and toying with possibilities?"

His answer is based on an understanding of perspective and feeling; that is, where does one stand in the process of solving the problem?

"When we don't feel that we're getting closer to the answer" he says, "[when] we've hit the wall, so to speak—we probably need an insight. If there is no feeling of knowing, the most productive thing we can do is forget about work for a while. But when those feelings of knowing are telling us that we're getting close, we need to keep on struggling."

Mr. Lehrer's description is therefore interesting because it highlights the way creative ventures can--and often do--require both forms problem-solving approaches. At times we need insight, and at times we need industry. For example, some people have ideas about a book they'd like to write, but few combine that insight with sufficient industry to write it. Others possess great diligence, but lack ideas or insight. Combined, be it in a single person or in a group, the two approaches seem likely to produce a great deal of creative output. Understanding how and when to apply each approach, however, would seem essential.

Something to consider anyway.
Happy Sunday, friends :)

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