DECSC25: The Creative Process
The creative process is created to create solutions towards a known/given problem. The process consist of five steps namely: (1) Preparation, (2) Incubation, (3) Insight, (4) Evaluation, and (5) Elaboration.
Among these five steps that were discussed in the course, what I found most difficult were (1) Preparation and (5) Elaboration; the start and the end.
PREPARATION
I think the most crucial part of the creative process would be preparation. This is because almost all the succeeding parts/steps will rely on the preparation process. Here, we must learn what the problem truly is before proposing any solution. It may be that we are providing a solution but for the wrong problems. For each situation, there may be a deeper cause towards a problem.
In dealing with preparation, I realized that we should have ample research, knowledge and critical thinking towards proposing a solution and knowing what the problem is. I learned that the problem we see may not be the root problem and that there could be a deeper cause.
To put thing into perspective, think of a broken screen; our first instinct would be replacing the monitor immediately but knowing computers, it may be that there are just loose plugs/wires. Knowledge and careful analysis is critical in the preparation process.
ELABORATION
Another crucial part of the creative process is elaboration which is also the last part of the creative process. This is the part where the proposed solution and ideas will tediously be developed through prototyping and thorough documentation and assignment of roles of each member in the group.
Our ideas may be perfect and nice but if it is not developed and well planned, it would just go to waste. That is why elaboration is also one of the most crucial parts. We may have successfully executed the previous parts, but if this last part is not done properly, all effort will be put to the drain.
My personal experience towards this was when our solutions and ideas were all there towards the problem but were not laid down properly. And so, we weren’t able to deliver properly.
However, we were able to surpass this by proper guidance and laying out our ideas in an organized manner.
SUMMARY
Overall, the creative process was challenging but worthwhile when utilized and done properly. At first, it may seem overwhelming and difficult to execute but with proper preparation and communication with fellow members, ideas and solutions may be brought to reality.
I really enjoyed DECSC25 as it really made me feel that I was doing an actual startup business. I was able to learn a lot from this course and with the knowledge I’ve obtained and skills that I’ve equipped, I was even able to run a small business with my friends :>.