Creative Problem Solving

Creative Problem Solving Mental Models

Steps to Engineering Goals • Foundation • Mental models • Knowledge creation model • Creative problem solving process • Superstructure • Engineering design & problem solving • Communication & teamwork • Learning, innovation, & information management • Roadway • Products and services

Mental Models • Understanding how we prefer to think helps us in understanding learning, communications, and teamwork • Mental models are a method of visualizing how we think

Mental Models, Learning Styles • Myers-Briggs (MBTI) • Extroverts-Introverts • Sensors-Intuitors • Thinkers-Feelers • Judgers-Perceivers • Kolb’s • Concrete experience-Abstract conceptualization • Active experimentation-Reflective observation • Felder-Silverman • Sensing learners-Intuitive learners • Visual learners-Verbal learners • Inductive learners-Deductive learners • Active learners-Reflective learners • Sequential learners-Global learners • Herrmann Brain Dominance

Herrmann Brain Dominance Model • Metaphorical model • People prefer to act in certain modes or are more comfortable in certain situations • Model reflects these preferences • Four quadrants of preference • Only 7% strong in only one quadrant • 60% strong in two quadrants • 30% strong in three quadrants • 3% Strong in all four quadrants

Four quadrants A, Analyzer B, Administrator D, Synthesizer C, Collaborator Herrmann Brain Dominance Model

Analytical Quadrant • Thinking: factual, analytical, quantitative, technical, logical, rational, critical • Deals with: data analysis, risk assessment, statistics, budgets, technical hardware, analytical problem solving, making decisions based on logic and reason • Culture: materialistic, academic, authoritarian, achievement oriented, performance driven • Examples: Mr. Spock, George Gallup

Analytical Quadrant • Subjects: math, science, engineering, technology (depending on how taught) • Professions: lawyers, engineers, computer scientists, analysts, technicians, bankers, surgeons • Talk: the bottom line, getting the facts, critical analysis • Called: number crunchers, human machines, eggheads

Sequential Quadrant • Thinking: organized, sequential, controlled, planned, conservative, structured, detailed, disciplined, persistent • Deals with: administration, tactical planning, procedures, organizational form, safekeeping, solution implementation, maintaining the status quo • Cultures: traditional, bureaucratic, reliable, production oriented, task driven • Examples: J. Edgar Hoover, Chief Geronimo

Sequential Quadrant • Subjects: courses that are very structured, sequentially organized • Professions: planners, bureaucrats, administrators, bookkeepers, project managers • Talk: we have done it this way, law & order, self-discipline, play it safe • Called: pendants, picky, nose to the grindstone • Easy to notice in area of time, stick to schedule

Interpersonal Quadrant • Thinking: sensory, kinesthetic (sensation of movement, presence, position), emotional, people-oriented, symbolic • Deals with: awareness of feelings, body sensation, spiritual values, music, teamwork, nurturing, personal relationships, communications • Culture: humanistic, cooperative, spiritual, value driven, feeling oriented • Examples: Gandhi, Martin Luther King

Interpersonal Quadrant • Subjects: social sciences, music, dance, highly skilled sports, like group activities • Professions: teachers, nurses, counselors, social workers, musicians • Talk: the family, the team, personal growth, values • Called: bleeding hearts, soft touch, talk-talk-talk

Imaginative Quadrant • Thinking: visual, holistic, innovative, metaphorical, creative, imaginative, conceptual, spatial, flexible, intuitive • Deal with: future, possibilities, synthesis, play, dreams, visions, strategic planning, the broader context, entrepreneurship, change, innovation • Cultures: explorative, entrepreneurial, inventive, future oriented, playful, risk driven, independent • Examples: Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Frank Lloyd Wright, Amelia Earhart

Imaginative Quadrant • Subjects: arts, geometry, design, poetry, architecture • Professions: “art”, the invention aspects of engineering, entrepreneurs, explorers, artists, playwrights, scientist in research • Talk: playing with an idea, the big picture, the cutting edge, innovation • Called: having head in the clouds, undisciplined, unrealistic dreamers

Implications • Effective engineers need to develop skills in all four quadrants • Effective teams need members with skills in all four quadrants

Knowledge Creation • “Old School”, you are taught (quadrant A) • “New School” • Understand need, Socialization process, Tacit sympathized knowledge (quadrant C) • Understand the big picture, develop concept, Externalization process, Explicit conceptual knowledge (quadrant D) • Understanding the technology, data, analysis , develop solution, Combining process, Explicit systemic knowledge (quadrant A) • Using the knowledge, implement solution, Internalization process, Tacit operational knowledge (quadrant B)

Creative Problem Solving • Five steps • Problem definition • Idea generation • Creative idea evaluation • Idea judgment • Solution implementation

Five steps Problem definition Idea generation Creative idea evaluation Idea judgment Solution implementation Metaphors (think like) “Explorer”/”Detective” “Artist” “Engineer” “Judge” “Producer” Creative Problem Solving

Creative Problem Solving