Creativity and Time

I am often struck at how creative ideas or concepts evolve over time and how long it takes.

I find that I can take a design and product to a point I am happy with. Set it aside for awhile and then come up with an iteration that reduces cost to the customer. When looking back I always say to myself it seems intuitively obvious, why did I not see that sooner?

So what to do when faced with such a quandary? Obviously Google the problem.

I found two interesting sources.

The first is a PBS Note to Parents about creativity in kids.  Actually does a good job of explaining creativity and how to identify it in children.

The second is an on line course in critical thinking at The University of Hong Kong. More in depth and up to date.

I have started to delve into the second link. It takes a little time for me to absorb and process this type of material.

Okay, now that I have started.

I was having a discussion with an individual earlier this week concerning a project that I have been contemplating. It was pointed out by this individual that our generation (baby boomers) were probably the last generation that did not require a college degree to attain success  or a comfortable living. Join the middle class. That is sad.

There are supervisors and leaders who emphasize credentials over ability. I am afraid they assume that credentials equate with superior performance and success. I disagree. There were numerous examples of people who are creative and successful without the academic credentials.

This is a big subject. I will explore more in the future.

No Instructions

I have spent the last several day learning how to use an app on my phone and tablet. Being the traditionalist I am, I started looking for the help and instruction files. I must be in real bad shape because I could not find anything that explains the steps required to operate the software.

The only way I could  learn to use it was by actually doing something and then seeing what happens. One of the difficulties is that when learning to see the results  is a trial and error process in itself.

Another issue is learning the nomenclature utilized in the app. Like what is a sample (data point). What is a collection? What is tracker?

Then I got to the point where I came to the realization that we are now seeing the future. All learning is going to be experiential. By doing. In the future we will being seeing fewer and fewer instruction manuals and books. If they are really needed they will probably be provided by second parties, i.e. ????? for Dummies.

This may not be a bad thing. The thing is how do we train the younger ones to be inquisitive and intuitive explorers?

Is it just me or is it everyone?