| CODE | IOT5101 | ||||||
| TITLE | Creativity: Idea Generation, Methods and Applications | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | The Edward de Bono Institute for the Design and Development of Thinking | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Learning Objectives: On completion of this study-unit students will be expected to: • Understand the importance of creativity and how it can be generated; • Understand the role that perception plays in the process of thinking and of creativity; • Learn to apply tools and methods (including Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking, Six Thinking Hats, DATT and CoRT tools) which will enable them to generate new ideas and to broaden their perception; • Be proficient in the application of various creative thinking methodologies and to understand the variety of situations to which they may be applied. Description: This study-unit offers a variety of perspectives on creativity with particular emphasis on the de Bono thinking methods. Students will gain an understanding of the implications of creativity and its applications. The unit is designed to provide opportunities for the students to apply the tools of creative thinking. Emphasis will be placed on the variety of uses for these methodologies and on the practical application of the tools learnt. Students will be expected to understand the importance of skill acquisition (as opposed to knowledge or understanding) where such methodologies are concerned. The topics which this study-unit will cover include the following: • An introduction to creativity • The importance of perception • Edward de Bono’s tools and methods: - Lateral thinking - Six thinking hats - DATT and CoRT • Other generic creativity tools and applications (eg. TRIZ, SCAMPER and CPS) • Mind mapping Serious Creativity and Lateral Thinking Understanding the logic of creativity does not itself make you more creative. But it does make you aware of the necessity for creativity. It also explains the design of certain creative techniques and shows why apparently illogical techniques are actually quite logical within the logic of patterning systems. Above all, understanding the logic of creativity motivates a person to do something about creativity. (de Bono, 1993: 5) The great focus on developing creative thinking tools and skills across the world indicates a broadly shared view that creativity and innovation are crucial to success within the emerging global knowledge community. Lateral thinking, in contrast to logical or rational thinking, is unpredictable and unconventional – thinking outside the box. In de Bono’s words lateral thinking ‘emphasizes the searching for different approaches and different ways of looking at things.’ (de Bono, 1993: 54). He further suggests that lateral thinking skills can be learnt and that there are specific techniques that can facilitate this acquisition. DATT (Direct Attention Thinking Tools) and CoRT (Cognitive Research Trust) Edward de Bono’s DATT (Direct Attention Thinking Tools) and CoRT (Cognitive Research Trust) are thinking programmes specifically designed for use in business management (DATT) and education (CoRT). They consist of a number of thinking tools that are simple but which, when used effectively, can be very powerful. The tools help to make thinking performance more deliberate, more structured, more organised and more effective. Correct use of the thinking tools helps to avoid wrong decisions. Knowledge of the DATT and CoRT thinking tools will help students to improve the quality of their thinking, become team leaders and be prepared to accept new responsibilities. It will help them to broaden their perception, to take more effective decisions and to tackle problem solving in a more structured manner. Six Thinking Hats The Six Thinking Hats are often used to analyse a topic, to generate a number of perspectives and to resolve conflicts. They are a convenient way of putting Parallel Thinking into practice - this is very different from argument. The hats and colours are designed to make Parallel Thinking a practical process that can be remembered and easily put to use. With the Six Hats method it is possible to separate the different aspects of thinking instead of trying to do everything at once. The Six Hats method may therefore be used as a ‘release’ from the argumentative mode as it lays out all views side by side in parallel and provides possibilities for designing a way forward. Reading List Buzan, Tony (2004). Mind Maps at Work. de Bono, Edward. DATT Programme. de Bono, Edward (1990). Simplicity. de Bono, Edward (1991). Conflicts: A Better Way to Resolve Them. de Bono, Edward (1992). The Five Day Course in Thinking. de Bono, Edward (1993). Teach Your Child How To Think. de Bono, Edward (1993). Serious Creativity. de Bono, Edward (1996). Sur/Petition. de Bono, Edward (2000). Six Thinking Hats. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Blended Learning | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Edward De Bono Brenda Murphy Shirley Pulis Xerxen (Co-ord.) |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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