One of the fascinating questions is how we can harness structure and freedom together to come up with new and useful solutions. In creative problem solving (CPS), this is built into the DNA of this thinking framework.

What is problem solving?

A “problem” exists when a person has a goal but does not know how to achieve it. To reach their goal, individuals must overcome barriers. “Problem solving” is thus turning a given situation into a desired situation, when no obvious and known solution is available.

Creative problem solving (CPS) is not just brainstorming, although many people associate it with that. CPS is actually a well-defined process that can help you define problems, generate alternatives to implement solutions. It gives you a thinking framework within which you can work very flexibly toward innovation.

CPS has already been through quite a history. It all started with Alex Osborn, the inventor of Brainstorming. Osborn’s publications during the 1940s were the starting point of a continuous evolution of Creative Problem Solving thanks to both scientific impact studies and numerous practical experiences within organizations and education. Together with Sid Parnes, Osborn was behind the first university two-year creativity course at Buffalo. These 80 years of research and development have made an important and widespread contribution to those interested in the intentional development and management of creative talent. CPS is one of the most researched frameworks for thinking. It is also the origin of a number of other approaches. For example, Design Thinking got its mustard in Buffalo.

Creative problem solving is a process that enables people to apply both creative and critical thinking to find solutions to everyday problems. Creative Problem Solving eliminates the tendency to approach problems in a haphazard manner, thereby avoiding surprises and/or disappointment with the solution.

Some basic principles of creative problem solving are:

• Everyone is creative but we prefer to use this creativity in different ways.
• Creative skills are learnable and can be honed.
• Generative thinking (divergent) and focus thinking (convergent) must be used in a balanced way.
• There are different roles within creative problem-solving sessions: the process facilitator, the thinking group and the problem owner.

CPS is a conceptually simple process – but crucial to any innovation process. If you’re not already using it, familiarize yourself with the process and start using it. You will find that it does wonders for your ability to innovate.

O2c2 has a direct bloodline with Alex Osborn, who introduced CPS and Brainstorming to the world. Luc De Schryver was a student under Dr. Scott Isaksen for two years, and o2c2 has worked with Creative Problem Solving Group (CPSB) and Brainstorming giants Scott Isaksen and Brian Dorval since early 1992, both of whom in turn worked with Ruth Noller, who worked with Sid Parnes, who worked with Alex Osborn.