Techniques for Creative Thinking

This tutorial contains specific approaches to focus design thinking on creative, unusual, and unique solutions.
Step one: Write down the message to be communicated in the design. Put it in a brief, one-line statement. Step two: Using each of the following techniques, explore different wa s to communicate the message.

1) Write a listing of visuals associated with the product, service, or essage!

") Write a listing of words which descri#e the feeling of the product or service!

$) Change the focal point!

%) Tr& S&

etr& vs! 's&

etr&

() Tr& taking one good idea and doing several variations on it!

or here is another example...

)) Tr& visual analogies!

What visual comparisons can ou find with the t pe shapes or images ou are working with!

*) Tr& using a what if

What would happen if ever thing goes!

+) Tr& using t&pe as the

ain graphic ele ent!

"# $ook for visual posibilities which might exist in the words of our message.

The initials %U&"% exist within the word %'U&&("%.

This poster for )ritish "irwa s reveals a message in the t pe.

)# Use t pe in a visuall expressive wa .

"ltered letterforms can illustrate a message.

,) -everse a visual or color of an i age!

Tr looking at opposites to make a statement with impact.

The concept of %happ heroin hints% makes the viewer stop to find the real meaning.

'eversing images creates surrealism which can be attention-getting.

1.) /se an unusual visual or a visual unrelated to the product0service!

$ook at our list of visuals. What changes or substitutions might make a strong statement.

This unusual piece of dinnerware makes the point that the client is a steak restaurant.

11) 1ring " different things, i ages, or o#2ects together to new one

ake a

$ook at different things to bring together to make a new composite element.

1") Change the scale of things!

*reate an unusual image b presenting an element far out of it+s normal si,e or scale.

*hanging the scale of the product not onl establishes a strong focal point, but adds humer to the message. -ote that technique ./0 is also used here.

1$) 3 phasi4e the si4e of so ething or co pare the si4e to a point!

ake

1nlarge the details ou want to emphasi,e.

1%) /sed a strange point of view! 'n unusual or une5pected angle!

What does the message look like from a biker+s point of view!

1() Co pare two different things!

Take the message, product, or service and search for an unusual comparison.

This poster against racial bias compares skin color to cra&on colors to make an unusual statement.

1)) 1orrow fro

language

This ad tells ou what people will sa about someone who shops at -ordstrom.

Use a quote or phrase what ever one is familiar with.

1*) 6ook to nature 7use shapes, feelings, te5tures, etc!)