How can you expand and narrow your creative options?

1 Use divergent and convergent thinking

Divergent thinking is the process of generating many different and diverse possibilities, without judging or filtering them. Convergent thinking is the process of evaluating, selecting, and refining the best options, based on criteria and goals. Both types of thinking are important for creativity and innovation, but they require different mindsets and tools. To expand your creative options, use divergent thinking techniques, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse). To narrow your creative options, use convergent thinking techniques, such as ranking, voting, SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), or PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting).

2 Seek inspiration and feedback

Sometimes, you may need a fresh perspective or a new source of inspiration to expand or narrow your creative options. You can seek inspiration and feedback from various sources, such as your peers, mentors, customers, or experts. You can also look for inspiration and feedback from other domains, such as art, nature, or history. To seek inspiration and feedback effectively, you need to be open-minded, curious, and respectful. You also need to ask specific and relevant questions, listen actively, and thank the contributors.

3 Use constraints and challenges

Constraints and challenges are often seen as obstacles or limitations for creativity and innovation. However, they can also be powerful triggers and motivators for expanding and narrowing your creative options. Constraints and challenges can force you to think outside the box, to find new ways of doing things, and to focus on what matters most. To use constraints and challenges effectively, you need to identify and embrace them, rather than avoid or resist them. You also need to balance them with flexibility and experimentation.

4 Switch modes and contexts

Another way to expand and narrow your creative options is to switch modes and contexts. This means changing your mental state, your physical environment, or your social setting. Switching modes and contexts can help you break out of your habitual patterns, stimulate your senses, and expose you to new stimuli and influences. To switch modes and contexts effectively, you need to be aware of your preferences, moods, and energy levels. You also need to be willing to try new things, explore new places, and meet new people.

5 Use tools and frameworks

Tools and frameworks are helpful aids for expanding and narrowing your creative options. They can provide you with structure, guidance, and support for your creative process. Tools and frameworks can range from simple to complex, from analog to digital, from individual to collaborative. Some examples of tools and frameworks are the Design Thinking process, the Creative Problem Solving model, the Six Thinking Hats method, or the Idea Generation Canvas. To use tools and frameworks effectively, you need to choose the ones that suit your needs, goals, and style. You also need to use them flexibly, creatively, and critically.

6 Review and refine your options

Finally, you need to review and refine your creative options periodically and systematically. This means checking your progress, evaluating your results, and making improvements. Reviewing and refining your options can help you expand and narrow them as needed, depending on the feedback, data, and insights you gather. To review and refine your options effectively, you need to set clear and realistic criteria, measure and compare your outcomes, and learn from your successes and failures.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?