Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity

Introduction: Choosing Creativity 1Step One ASK: How the Right Questions Lead to the Most Novel Answers 19Find the QuestionSearch the SpaceTransform the ProblemStep Two LEARN: How to Prepare Your Mind for Constant Creativity 49Practice DeliberatelyMaster Your DomainLearn ForeverBalance Specialty with GeneralityStep Three LOOK: How to Be Aware of the Answers All Around You 73Use Fresh EyesGrab New Sights and Cool SoundsRender It VisibleStep Four PLAY: How to Free Your Mind to Imagine Possible Worlds 101VisualizeRelaxFind the Right BoxBe a BeginnerStep Five THINK: How to Have Way More Ideas Than You'll Ever Need 129IdeateTransformScheduleStep Six FUSE: How to Combine Ideas in Surprising NewWays 153Force-FuseMake AnalogiesDo a People Mash-UpStep Seven CHOOSE: How to Pick the Best Ideas and Then Make Them Even Better 173Know What You're Looking ForHost an Idea CompetitionLook Past the GoodEdit, Revise, ImproveStep Eight MAKE: How Getting Your Ideas Out into the World Drives Creativity Forward 195Draw ItSee ItBuild ItMake It ConcreteReflect on ItConclusion 215Appendix A: Outline of All of the Steps, Practices, and Techniques 229Appendix B: The Research Behind the Eight Steps 237References 243Acknowledgments 261About the Author 263Index 265