The Four Ps of Creativity

Name: The Four Ps of Creativity
Author: Daniel Cape

Discover the Four Ps of creativity: Products, Person, Process and Press

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Course: On-Demand

We are surrounded by creative products, which also includes services. Nearly every product we encounter is an improvement or adaptation of something that came before. Take the cell phone for example, it combines many other inventions, such as the clock, calculator, calendar, computer, games, telephone, and more. New models of phones come out each year with additional useful capabilities. The cell phone is a truly creative invention, but how do we identify a creative product, and who is it that can authoritatively deem an invention creative. Let's return to our simple definition of creativity. Something that is new and useful. By this measure a car with blocks instead of wheels is new, but not useful for transportation and is therefore not creative. However if someone creates a car that is propelled by water, then there may be some use for this. And it could be deemed creative. A car that reduces pollution, runs on air, and drives itself, would certainly be creative. Who decides on the usefulness of a product. In many cases the experts in a field determine whether something is useful. An architect understands the function and design of a building and is more capable of assessing the usefulness of a novel design than the lay person. The same goes with scientists, fashion designers, or mathematicians. It could also be said that a third quality must be present, which is aesthetics. People often prefer products that are appealing to their senses, and match the aesthetic standard of the times. Consumers can also decide on the usefulness of a product with their purchasing power. Gary Dahl's Pet Rock from the mid 1970s was a seemingly useless idea. However millions of buyers found purpose in the idea which subsequently became a creative invention. Understanding the history of products is also important. Doing so gives insights into the person who created them, and the process that was involved. What are creative products in your field? Who invents them and how often do they change? What product might you invent to make your business or life better? Tips you can use right now. When thinking of ways to solve a problem with an unknown solution, use the word might, instead of could. Will or should. Asking how could we solve this problem? How will we increase profits? How should we reach more customers? Implies commitment and inhibits creative thinking. Asking how might we improve customer satisfaction? How might we retain employees? Leaves the mind open to possibilities. When solving a complex problem, put yourself in someone else's shoes, how might they solve the problem? How might Superman write your mission statement? How might your favorite teacher develop a new product? This can help you step away from your own limited vision and assumptions and expand your options for solving the problem. If you're struggling with a problem, go for a walk. This will remove you from your current environment and help you develop your idea from a fresh perspective. Get away from your screen and go walk in the woods. Looking at your phone, TV, or computer, can inhibit your creative thinking. Research the history of products. You may be surprised and inspired by how products came to be or by the process involved in developing them.

Beginner Provider : Daniel Cape 5 Lessons · 17m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

There are four manifestations of creativity: creative products and people, the creative process and the environmental factors that affect it, otherwise known as press. Together, these aspects form the ‘four Ps’ of creativity. Understanding each one will help put you on the path to harnessing your own creativity, and Daniel Cape’s module will guide you there.

You will see how creativity is inherent in people, the products they create and the process of making them, and the environmental factors that affect creativity. You will receive helpful tips on how to reframe your thinking to enhance your own creativity, as well how to track your creative process to make yourself more comfortable with it.

Learning Objectives:

What You'll Learn

Understand the criteria that deem a product to be creative
Identify the traits that make a person creative
Walk through the steps of the creative process: preparation, incubation, illumination and verification
Create an environment, or 'press', that fosters creativity
Reframe your thinking to enhance your own creativity
Track your creative process to become more comfortable with it

Key Takeaways

Creativity has four manifestations, known as the 'four Ps': creative products, creative people, the creative process, and press (the environmental factors that affect it).
Creativity is inherent in people, in the products they create, and in the process of making them, as well as being shaped by environmental factors.
The creative process moves through distinct steps: preparation, incubation, illumination and verification.
Reframing your thinking and tracking your creative process can help you harness and feel more comfortable with your own creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this course cover?

The course covers the 'four Ps' of creativity: creative products, creative people, the creative process, and press (the environmental factors that affect creativity), with lessons on Products, Person, Process and Press (Environment).

What are the four Ps of creativity?

They are creative products and people, the creative process, and the environmental factors that affect it, known as press. Together these aspects form the 'four Ps' of creativity.

What are the steps of the creative process taught in this course?

The course explains the steps of the creative process, including preparation, incubation, illumination and verification.

What skills will I gain from this course?

The course builds skills in creative design, creativity, creative problem solving, creative questioning, creative thinking and creative strategies.

Who teaches this course?

This module is guided by Daniel Cape.