Creativity is a process that begins with the collection of raw materials and ends with a complete idea ready for implementation. It is a journey where ideas are generated, explored, evaluated, and honed. For many people, it is the pinnacle of intellectual expression. Creativity is not a one-time event; it is a continuous process which requires commitment, openness and an ability to take risks.


To understand creativity, it is important to realize that it is a synthesis of converging and diverging mental processes. It involves divergent thinking, where ideas and information are collected and then combined or recombined to create novelty. It also requires convergent thinking, which is where these ideas and information are organized into cohesive structures. Finally, creativity requires the practitioner to fully understand the problem and to gain insight into how these structures might be solved. This process of problem solving is often called the ‘creative process’.


The creative process involves several steps which must be taken in order to arrive at a creative result. The first step is to define the problem or goal. Once the problem is defined, a brainstorming session is usually held to generate as many ideas as possible. This usually includes creating a list of potential solutions and exploring all available angles. At this stage, creativity can be encouraged by being open-minded and taking risks because these are essential aspects of finding a novel solution.


The next step is to evaluate the ideas generated by brainstorming. This involves looking at how well each solution can address the problem and determining which ones are viable. During this stage, the creative idea is honed and further refined. During this phase, the creator must think critically about the potential outcomes of each creative solution and the potential consequences of each one. By this time, the idea should be well-developed, and the creator should have a clear idea of how to move forward.


The next step is to create a plan for implementation. This may involve developing a timeline for the project, assigning tasks and responsibilities, and setting budgets. Creativity becomes particularly important during this phase as it is necessary to determine which elements of the creative idea can be implemented, while also keeping in mind the constraints of the situation. During this phase, collaboration and teamwork are typically very important in order to make sure that the idea is implemented correctly.


Finally, the creative idea needs to be evaluated. Here the creator needs to review their work and make any alterations that may be necessary. This is often done with the help of feedback from outside sources