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An introduction to methods of creative imagery
In many situations we are more interested in making
decisions about the future we would like to happen rather than simply
trying to predict what will happen. Planning, policy-making, strategy,
problem-solving and decision-making are all concerned with producing
future situations that are different from those that currently exist.
This often requires an ability to imagine situations that do not
exist. Several techniques have been developed to encourage the creative
thinking that this requires. One of them is Creative Imagery, which
is outlined here.
The appreciation of the role of the subconscious
in creativity has led to the development of techniques designed
to encourage the relaxation of conscious attention and free up the
imaging capacity of the brain.
Requirements
- An experienced facilitator
- A relaxed atmosphere, comfortable venue, etc
- A method of recording the ideas generated
Process
- The starting point for methods of this kind is relaxation both
mental and physical.
- The facilitator leads the participants through the process using
a script.
- The group should then note the images experienced
- The group records the future experienced. What would it be like?
What implications would it have?
- Participants then share experiences.
Examples
The Imagine Houston exercise asked participants
to imagine themselves at a going away party prior to leaving the
city. They were then asked to imagine themselves returning ten years
later and to note the changes that had occurred in the city in their
absence.
Advantages
- Can be useful in generating ideas and is usually an interesting
experience and fun.
- Provides a means for "thinking outside the box."
- With some training is accessible to most people
Disadvantages
- Without careful presentation, may be dismissed as irrational
and ridiculous
- Can be an upsetting process for some participants if, for example,
they see only darkness in the future.
Creativity and problem
solving at work T Rickards, Gower, Aldershot 1990
Six Thinking Hats
Edward de Bono, Little. Brown & Co Boston MA 1999
Techniques of structured
problem solving A B Van Gundy Jr, Van Nostrand Reinhold,
New York 1988
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