The Creative Problem-Solving (CPS) process is a structured approach to tackling complex problems and generating innovative solutions. The creative process involves a dynamic interplay between divergent thinking (DT), which encourages exploration, generation of options, and open-mindedness, and convergent thinking (CT), which involves analysis, evaluation, and decision-making. This combination of divergent and convergent thinking fosters innovation, effective problem-solving, and the implementation of successful solutions. The CPS process typically consists of four stages: Clarification, Ideation, Development, and Implementation.

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1. Clarification: During the clarification stage, divergent thinking is employed to explore the problem from various angles, generate multiple perspectives, and uncover potential challenges and opportunities. This free-flowing exploration allows for a broad understanding of the problem. Subsequently, convergent thinking is applied to narrow down the focus, define the challenge to be addressed more precisely.

2. Ideation: In the ideation stage, divergent thinking takes center stage as participants brainstorm and generate a multitude of ideas without judgment or constraints. The emphasis is on quantity and variety, encouraging creative exploration and the emergence of novel possibilities. Once a diverse range of ideas has been generated, convergent thinking is employed to evaluate and select the most promising ideas. Criteria could be applied to assess feasibility, viability, and alignment with the desired goals.

3. Development: Divergent thinking is utilized in the development stage to evaluate, refine, and transform selected ideas into more concrete and actionable solutions. Concepts are iterated upon, combined, or modified to enhance their effectiveness and address potential challenges. Then, convergent thinking comes into play to scrutinize and prioritize the refined solutions, making decisions based on evaluation criteria, available resources, and practical considerations.

4. Implementation: During the implementation stage, divergent thinking is employed to explore different strategies, approaches, and implementation plans. Various options and potential paths forward are considered to optimize the chances of success. Once the best course of action has been determined, convergent thinking takes over to execute the chosen solution, monitor progress, and adapt as needed. Evaluation criteria are used to assess the implementation's effectiveness and adjust strategies when necessary.

The Creative thinking tools (and the type of thinking they facilitate) included in this tool kit are:

1. Clarification:

   • 1. How Might We  (DT)

   • 2. 4”I”s (CT)​

2. Ideation:​

   • 3. Brainstorming (DT) and Angel’s Advocate (DT)

   • 4. Hits and Highlights (CT)

3. Development: 

   • 5. PPCo (DT & CT)

4. Implementation:

   • 6. Agile Planning (DT & CT)

   • 7. Learning Cycle (DT & CT)​​​​
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