Creative thinking is the source of human progress and innovation, driving society and creating unique solutions. However, creative thinking is not a mere inspiration, but a series of stages of conscious thought and effort. In this article, we will discuss the four stages of creative thinking: the preparation stage, the gestation stage, the open-minded stage, and the verification stage.
Preparation stage
The preparatory phase is the first stage of creative thinking activity. At this stage, we need to collect relevant information and materials, and organize and screen them. This information and materials can be the result of previous knowledge and experience, academic research results, or actual observations and experiments. The purpose of the preparatory phase is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem and prepare for the next stage of creative activity. For example, in order to invent the electric light, Edison collected more than 200 books, reaching more than 40,000 pages. This example tells us that any invention needs to be based on full observation and research, not imagination.
Brewing stage
The gestation stage is the stage of thinking and absorbing on the basis of the information and materials gathered in the preparation stage. At this stage, we need to identify the key points of the problem and consider various strategies to solve the problem. Sometimes, certain questions may not find valid answers for a while, and they can be put on hold for a while, but the mental activity does not stop, and these questions are transformed into a subconscious mind in our minds. The gestation stage is a process of positive thinking and creation, but at the same time, it is also necessary to keep the thinking tense and relaxed to promote the development of thinking. For example, Newton's feverish attitude of boiling his watch as an egg is typical of the gestation stage.
Bright stage
The open-minded stage is also known as the epiphany stage. After the first two stages of preparation and gestation, the thinking has reached a fairly mature stage. In the process of solving problems, we often enter a state of sudden enlightenment, which is what we often call inspiration. In the open-minded stage, we suddenly understand the essence of the problem and find a breakthrough to solve the problem. For example, Bill Bowerman, the founder of Nike, was eating wafers made by his wife when he suddenly had an idea to make running shoes into wafer styles, thus designing Nike shoes. The open-minded stage does not arise out of thin air, but is the result of the accumulation and thinking of the previous stages at a certain moment.
Validation phase
The verification phase, also known as the implementation phase, is mainly to test the methods and strategies formed in the previous stages to find a more reasonable solution. This stage is a cyclical process in which we continuously revise and improve our creative thinking processes through practice and testing. During the validation phase, we are constantly trying and practicing the solutions we have previously considered, identifying problems and deficiencies and making improvements. This process may involve the rejection and rethinking of the original idea, but it is also a crucial step in getting closer to the best solution. Through repeated practice tests, we can finally arrive at the most suitable creative thinking process for problem solving.
Summary
The four stages of creative thinking – Preparation, Conception, Enlightenment, and Validation – together constitute a conscious, purposeful, and planned thinking process. In the preparation stage, we develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem by gathering information and organizing materials; In the gestation stage, we find out the key points of the problem and think about the solution strategy by thinking and absorbing information; In the open-minded stage, after the accumulation and thinking of thinking, we suddenly open up and generate inspiration; Finally, in the validation phase, we continuously revise and improve the creative thinking process through practice and testing, and finally find the most appropriate solution.
Creative thinking is not just imagination, but requires orderly thinking and effort. These four stages work together and influence each other to make creative thinking truly effective. Whether it's inventing or solving problems, we need to use creative thinking to drive innovation and development in our daily lives and work. By understanding and applying these four stages, we can develop and enhance our creative thinking skills to bring more well-being and progress to ourselves and society.