Creative and Visual Thinking Methods for Breakthrough Ideas

Synopsis

Two main thinking methods are covered. Firstly, analytical problem solving and learning by categorizing and organizing information, relating concepts, evaluating arguments and building up Knowledge Base of solutions and best practices. The latter is Creative thinking by generating new and break through ideas. The leading creative methods TRIZ and BVITS will be taught. Visual mapping of ideas and concepts is the key technique employed. Computer software like Freemind for mind-mapping and CMap for Concept-minding will be taught and used to assist the thinking process and creating the Knowledge Base. Attendees will be able to learn, think, write, communicate, solve problems and generate ideas effectively and with the knowledge base created, becoming a better thinker and decision maker with accumulation of knowledge.

Course Outline

Day 1 - How to Think & Learn
• Types of Learning – Rote vs Cognitive Learning. The fundamental operators for classify and relating ideas and concepts.
• Learning Styles and Modes
• Two Main Vizual Presentation of Ideas. Mind-mapping Method and Concept Mapping.
• Training for use of Freemind Software for Mind-mapping.
• Training for use of Cmap Software for Concept Mapping.
• The Learning and Problem-Solving Cycle of issue – search – analysis – plans – monitoring and capture into knowledge base.
• The Most Useful Thinking Templates – SWOT, Fishbone, Six-hats, IBIF.
• Workshop – 1. From A Magazine Article to a Mindmap.
• Workshop – 2. New Article and Making Changes to Mindmap in Workshop 1.



Day 2 - Creative Ideas Generation using TRIZ and BVITS

• The Myths of Creativity
• Overview of Creative Methods – by Change or by Design
• TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) Overview and Use
• BVITS (Business Value Innovative Thinking Symbols) Methods.
• Workshop 1. Iconic Christmas Tree
• Workshop 2. New Financial Products

Instructional Methodology

• Lecture and Workshop for exercises.
• Interactive Teaching for Freemind and Cmaps.
  (Attendees are encouraged to bring their own Laptop computers for the lecture and workshop. No computer is provided.

Expected Outcome:

The attendee after completion of the couse will be able :

• to think, analyze and solve problems systematically and effectively
• to come out with breakthrough and innovative ideas systematically TRIZ and BVITS
• to learn visual mapping techniques iike mind-mapping and concept mapping using software like Freemind and CMaps
• to use visual thinking for brainstorming, planning, learning, problem solving & communication, and creation of knowledge base.
• to accummulate knowledge base of ideas by constantly mapping the ideas learned storing them in knowledge bases for effective recall.
• to be able to make better decision with increased knowledge base of ideas maps.