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In this article, our exceptional former product designer Lamia Albeeybe reflects on her takeaways from the Interaction Design Foundation's course: 'Creativity: Methods to Design Better Products and Services' by Alan Dix.
Introduction
The concept of creativity has always been a topic of fascination to me. What truly defines creativity? Does being a designer inherently make me creative, or is it the other way around? These were questions that I always had on my mind. I wanted to understand more of it, and reach a point where I can confidently admit “I am a creative person!”.
In my pursuit to understand more about the questions I had on creativity, and how can one harness its full potential, I decided to set on a journey to find all the answers.
So how did I end up with taking the course? At this point I have been a member of the Interaction Design Foundation (IDxF) for almost a year, and I know how good they are with guiding user experience designers. So as you have guessed that was my first stop!
I searched through their courses that do not have to do with the user experience process, and I finally stumbled upon “Creativity: methods to design for better products and services” by Alan Dix.
Initial thoughts
At the beginning I was reluctant to take the course as it seemed a bit long, and I was not sure about my commitment towards the long journey ahead. It's safe to say I had doubts about how the course would truly benefit me and whether it would enhance my creativity.
However, I decided to give it a try and see where it goes! and I am so glad that I did. As the course turned out to be a really great source on understanding the real meaning of creativity.
Keeping the momentum – what kept me going
Throughout the course, I learned that creativity is like “a well that never runs dry, no matter how much you draw from it”. The main reason that compelled me to go on with the course is that I finally found answers to the questions that have always intrigued me.
Thanks to Alan Dix , who explained perfectly how can we harness our personal qualities to nurture creativity. I am here to tell you, and promise you that your creativity is boundless. Another thing that really inspired me to go on was the immense emphasis Alan Dix put on the fact that you do not need to undergo a personality transformation to unlock your creative potential. It is rather about cultivating habits that guide you towards it.
Major learnings
The course was packed with major learning points that truly reshapes the way you view creativity. Among these learnings, below are the three main key topics that really left a mark on me.
The practice of generating bad ideas
If I asked you to come up with a good idea right now, how would that feel? A bit of pressure and nervous-ness I assume, right? But imagine if someone asked you to just come up with as many bad ideas as you can think of. Well, that seems easy I guess, and that is what Alan Dix likes to call The Generating Bad Ideas method.
Alan Dix suggested that to kickstart a creative process, we can begin by generating multiple bad ideas. At first, it may seem unusual, specially since we are trying to solve a problem. However, the key lies in separating the creative brainstorming phase from problem-solving. During this stage, our main focus is letting all ideas flow, and who knows, a 'bad' idea could turn into a great one. Alternatively, this method helps us understand what differentiates a poor idea from a good one, ultimately leading us toward creative breakthroughs.
Incubation
In the course, Alan Dix consistently touches on the topic of Incubation and its significance. So, what exactly is ‘Incubation’? it’s the moment when “you take a step back from the problem and allow your mind to wander to let it contemplate and work the problem through.” as Alan Dix likes to put it.
Dix mentions that it is at this crucial stage, you create the space needed to let ideas settle before seeking solutions. Dix suggested relaxation and sleep among various methods to foster incubation. Why? it’s because during these moments the pressure of trying to conjure up good ideas is no longer there, allowing your mind to wander and stumble upon creative ideas. If these ideas are useful, we can capture them by writing them down.
Personal habits to foster your creativity
Another key takeaway for me was understanding that creativity isn't confined to the work itself. Alan Dix emphasized the role of routines and personal habits in nurturing creativity. Establishing deadlines and selecting a dedicated workspace can cultivate a disciplined approach to enhance creative skills.
Conclusion
Creativity, as I realized, is not a skill that you either have or haven’t; it’s a continuous evolving process guided by the willingness to explore, and nurturing your personal traits. I believe this journey has broadened my understanding of the topic, and provided me with tools and perspectives to enrich my creative efforts.
