Codifying Creativity
By Kal Bishop
Can we codify creativity? Within these few words are
a number of principles that must be identified and resolved before
we can really answer the question.
The first question is, what is creativity? What are
we trying to codify?
One useful definition of creativity is that it is
problem identification and idea generation. Another is the production
of a number of diverse and novel ideas. Yet another is the engagement
in a number of diverse and novel behaviours.
The second question is, can we measure creativity?
This is necessary, as any codifying must result in
measurable change. From the above, we can see that creativity can
be measured on a number of levels such as:
a) we can measure the number of ideas produced and
their diversity and novelty,
b) the frequency of idea production over periods,
c) the frequency of divergent and novel behaviours
engaged in over periods or
d) we can ask people to rate themselves as being creative
before and after training.
The third question is, what do we mean by codify?
It means to code or organise into a systematic process.
From the above, it becomes clear that codifying creativity is possible
if we produce systematic processes that produce measurable change
in the ways mentioned above.
Now onto the real question then. Can we codify creativity?
Well, yes. If we just set out a number of processes
that produce measurable improvement in the ways described above.
What processes?
There are an infinite number and each produces it's
own set of results. By combining, mixing and rearranging, different
results occur.
Simple psychological games, such as role-play, can
be used. In the Journal of Psychology, businessmen were asked to rate
themselves on creativity and they ranked themselves very low. Then,
after asking them to pretend they were happy-go-lucky hippies, they
re-rated themselves much higher.
Lateral thinking techniques can be used, where the
point is to generate ideas without purpose, for the sake of generating
ideas, follow seemingly nonsensical pathways and so forth. This simply
maximises the quality and quantity of the idea pool.
Linking techniques can be used. Where everyday, novel
and diverse objects are used to create connections with the endeavour.
What I have just done is codify creativity. Ask any
group to come up with ideas related to a particular problem and they
will produce a set quantity. Use the above three (each contains an
infinite number of possibilities) and the group will produce more
creative output.
Using and extrapolating the above principles (and
using more precise techniques), I can, for example, codify processes
and structures that make it possible to complete a screenplay very
quickly.
The above is an incredibly general example, but you
get the idea. And this small case begins to demonstrate how creativity
can be made measurable, useable and tangible.
This topic is covered in depth in the MBA dissertation
on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along
with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software
and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com.
You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email
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Kal Bishop, MBA
You are free to reproduce this article as long
as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.
Kal Bishop MBA is a management consultant based
in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries
and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led
Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in
San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays.
He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com
