Workshop Examples:
Creative Problem Solving

About the CPS process

There are many models of the Creative Problem Solving process. Though, as recommended by the Creative Education Foundation, Stormz has chosen to focus on an evolution of the Osborn-Parnes CPS called the CPS Learner’s Model.

The basic structure is comprised of four stages with a total of six explicit process steps. Each of these process steps is available in Stormz as a template.

 

CPS Step 1 - Explore the Vision

Explore the vision is the first step of the Clarify stage of the Creative Problem Solving process. Its purpose is to identify our primary goal, wish or challenge.

This activity is made of 2 phases:

A divergent phase to generate as many wish statements as possible. To do so, the team will use a Silent Brainstorming technique followed by a traditional Brainstorming session.

A convergent phase to select the one wish that will be taken over to CPS - 2. Gather Data. To do so the team will use the $100 budget game followed by the 3 "I"s technique.

 

CPS Step 2 - Gather Data

Gather Data is the second step of the Clarify stage of the Creative Problem Solving process. Its purpose is to describe and generate data to enable a clear understanding of the challenge.

In this activity, the team will use the Know / Wonder technique to identify what they know and what we wonder about our challenge. Then they need to take the time to gather the missing data.

 

CPS Step 3 - Formulate Challenges

Formulate Challenges is the third step of the Clarify stage in the Creative Problem Solving process. Its purpose is to sharpen awareness of the challenge and create challenge questions that invite solutions.

In this workshop, the team will go through:

A) A divergent phase to generate as many challenge statements as possible. To do so, they will use the Word Dance technique.

B) A convergent phase to select the one challenge that will be taken over to CPS - 4. Explore Ideas. To do so they will use the 3 "I"s technique.

 

CPS Step 4 - Explore Ideas

Explore Ideas is the fourth step of the Creative Problem Solving process. Its purpose is to generate ideas that answer the challenge questions.

This activity is made of 2 phases:

• A) A divergent phase to generate as many ideas as possible. To do so, the team will use 3 different techniques: brainstorming, Super-Powers and Forced Connections.

• B) A convergent phase to select the one idea that will be taken over to CPS - 5. Develop Solutions. To do so the team will use a simplified version of the COCD Idea Box.

 

CPS - 5. Develop Solutions

To do so the team will use a simplified version of the COCD Idea Box.

Formulate Solutions is the fifth step of the Creative Problem Solving process. Its purpose is to move from ideas to solutions, evaluate, strengthen, and select solutions for best “fit.”

In this workshop, the team will go through:

A divergent phase to generate a list of options to strengthen the idea(s). To do so, the team will use the POINt technique.

A convergent phase to formulate the final solution that the team will take over to CPS - 6. Formulate the Plan. To do so the team will use the NUF technique.

 

CPS Step 6 - Formulate the Plan

Formulate a plan is the sixth and last step of the Creative Problem Solving process. Its purpose is to explore acceptance and identify resources and actions that will support the implementation of the selected solution(s).

In this workshop, the team will go through:

A) A divergent phase to generate as many actions as possible. To do so, they will use the Assistor/Resistor, technique followed by a reverse brainstorming.

B) A convergent phase to formalize an action plan with short term, medium term and long term actions.