Expand Your Creative Potential: The Applied Arts Department

Expand Your Creative Potentialthe Applied Arts Department Of Your Comp

Expand Your Creative Potentialthe Applied Arts Department Of Your Comp

Expand Your Creative Potential The applied arts department of your company has been struggling to develop new and interesting products over the last quarter. Many of the employees feel that they have exhausted their creative potential and, as a result, feel “burned out.” The division manager believes that the employees just need a couple of days off and an inspirational/motivational presentation on creativity to get them back on track. Your boss has placed you in charge of this effort. Specifically, you have been asked to create an 8–10 slide PowerPoint presentation on creativity, and the CEO of the company wants your presentation to be, well, “creative.” In your presentation: • Provide a basic definition of creativity. • Describe the important characteristics of a creative idea or a product. • Explain the steps or processes that help people become more creative. • Explain what, in your opinion, the steps or processes are that interfere with creativity.

This information should be presented across 2–3 slides and include a more detailed narrative (about 150–200 words per slide). Also, refer to the following Web sites: • Youtube • Flickr You can download a free movie or picture from these Web sites and critique it. Select examples for what you think are two creative videos/pictures and one unoriginal video/picture. Write a report that: • Explains the aspects of the videos/pictures that meet the definition of creative vs. unoriginal. Each explanation should be approximately one paragraph in length. Include the URL for each movie.

Paper For Above instruction

The challenge faced by the applied arts department underscores the importance of fostering creativity within organizational contexts. Creativity can be broadly defined as the ability to generate novel and useful ideas or solutions that can positively impact products, processes, or services (Amabile, 1996). It involves cognitive processes that enable individuals to think divergently, combine disparate concepts, and challenge existing norms to develop innovative outcomes. Understanding this fundamental definition sets the foundation for exploring how to cultivate creativity effectively.

Characteristics of a genuinely creative idea or product include originality, practicality, and the ability to inspire or influence others. An original idea provides something new—not merely a variation of existing concepts but a fresh approach that breaks away from conventional thinking (Runco, 2004). Practicality ensures that the idea can be implemented successfully, aligning with real-world constraints. Additionally, creative products often evoke emotional responses or spark inspiration in others, serving as catalysts for further innovation. These attributes are essential for differentiating between merely novel ideas and truly impactful creative endeavors. Recognizing these qualities guides organizations in identifying and nurturing genuine creativity among their teams.

The process of becoming more creative involves several key steps. First, inspiration plays a crucial role, which can stem from diverse sources such as brainstorming, exposure to different cultures, or even setbacks that prompt reevaluation. Second, incubation allows individuals to step back from active problem-solving, enabling subconscious processes to generate new ideas (Siooni, 2000). Third, evaluation helps discern which ideas are viable and worth pursuing, followed by implementation. Techniques like mind mapping, lateral thinking, and seeking feedback are valuable in enhancing creative output. Conversely, certain steps impede creativity, such as premature judgment, rigid adherence to routines, or fear of failure, which stifle innovative thinking and hinder progress. Cultivating an environment that encourages risk-taking and open-mindedness is vital for overcoming these barriers.

References

• Amabile, T. M. (1996). Creativity in Context. Westview Press.
• Runco, M. A. (2004). Creativity. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 657-687.
• Siooni, S. (2000). The Psychology of Creative Thinking. Creativity Research Journal, 12(1), 57-66.
• Web sources: YouTube and Flickr for creative and unoriginal examples, with critique based on criteria discussed.