Full Description
The overall purpose of the book is to present (1) the best science on creativity and innovation in the most practical way possible and (2) a new way of teaching called the Nonsense Method, which relies on humans' incredible ability to create sense out of apparent nonsense and have fun while doing it. The central theory of the book, the Obscure Features Hypothesis for Innovation (OFH), is the first approach to innovation that yields effective counter techniques to all known cognitive obstacles to innovation. The OFH states that any creative solution is built upon at least one commonly overlooked (i.e., obscure) or new feature of the problem. Each chapter ends with puzzles that relate to the cognitive obstacle and counter technique discussed in the chapter. Two hints and a solution for each puzzle are given at the book's end. The Nonsense Method of Teaching focuses upon universal puzzles that can be adapted to any subject. These universal puzzles situate vocabulary words and ideas from any subject matter in situations that need to be connected and thus made sense of.
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Nonsense Method of Teaching
Chapter 2: More Nonsense in Teaching
Chapter 3: Functional Fixedness
Chapter 4: Design Fixation
Chapter 5: Brainswarming: Solving Problems Together
Chapter 6: Analogy Blindness
Chapter 7: Other Blind Spots around Goals and Assumptions
Chapter 8: Solving Like Animals
Chapter 9: Visual Blending
Chapter 10: Unconscious Creativity
Chapter 11: Evolution and Creativity
Chapter 12: Diagnosing Creative Weaknesses
Chapter 13: Contradictions
Chapter 14: Unlimited Features
Chapter 15: Back to the Childlike
Appendix A: Hints and Solutions
About the Author
