METIS

Design thinking has no exclusive domain and should be considered in the same breath is the air we all breathe ala, 'Think Like an Architect' (Deutsch, 2020, p.146), it can be by architects, C-suite executives, design teams, artists and analysts to name a but a few. Effectively, anyone and everyone can benefit from design thinking and would benefit from taking queues from from the word around them, and from other disciplines and planes of life. The Saul Bass’ movie poster for Otto Preminger’s ‘Anatomy of a Murder’ is simple yet effective. It’s background is either dark orange or firebrick red with an almost paper cut-out-like black silhouette of a body lying on the ground with its head tilted to the side. On one leg is the word “Anatomy”, on the other leg, the words “of a”, while the word “Murder” is close by, but written on the body. Isa Arif (2017) cited the same thing: “The film’s title is spread across three different body parts, in an almost puzzle-like fashion that alludes to the mystery of the story. The main image of the full body is a literal meaning of the film’s title, and the pun on anatomy is shown here by the dissection of a human body.” The disjointed nature of the font used for the text almost gives a sense of a ransom letter made from newspaper cut-out - giving the impression that something is being very carefully hidden, or not to be easily revealed. The imagery conjures up a Hitchcock-esque murder mystery. The facelessness of the silhouette and the title implies the actual person of the murder is not the focus. In fact, on a quick Google search states that this is a courtroom-based drama. Hence the use of imagery is reminiscent of a chalk outline of a body at a crime scene. The lack of other embellishments or aesthetics on the poster is very effective. Firstly, it gives nothing away. It entices you to watch the movie to learn more. Secondly, it shows a cool restrain, to which one might be likened as being needed to get away with a murder or, to catch said-killer. The short parallel to business solution design is, the elegance, simplicity and effectiveness of the the 'end product'. This level of effectiveness and efficiency can only come from fully understand the objective and the problems between where you are now, and where you want to be. This may be an abstract concept - but it is certainly not a common practice for most business professionals. Set yourself apart from the pack. Sharpen your cognitive facilities and capabilities for effective and efficient execution... Arif, I. (2017, October 18). Saul Bass anatomy of a murder. Medium. https://medium.com/fgd1-the-archive/saul-bass-anatomy-of-a-murder-8f4cd471479e Deutsch , R. (2020). Chapter 35: Design Thinking in Architecture. In Think Like an Architect: How to Develop Critical, Creative and Collaborative Problem-Solving Skills. (1st ed., pp. 146–148). essay, RIBA Publishing.

Divergent thinking as a cognitive process is characterised by the generation of a wide range of creative and unconventional ideas or solutions to a particular problem or challenge. It stands in contrast to convergent thinking, which involves narrowing down options to find the single best solution. Divergent thinking is associated with creativity, brainstorming, and the ability to think wide, and "outside the box." Leonardo da Vinci, a quintessential Renaissance polymath, stands out as a divergent thinker par excellence. His life and work are a testament to his exceptional ability to think expansively, embracing a multitude of disciplines and producing ground-breaking innovations that continue to inspire. Leonardo da Vinci is considered a divergent thinker for several compelling reasons: Multidisciplinary Approach: Leonardo was not confined to a single domain of knowledge. He explored and excelled in various fields, including art, science, engineering, anatomy, music, and more. His capacity to engage with and contribute significantly to these diverse areas demonstrated his ability to think expansively and draw connections between seemingly unrelated subjects... The man was knowledgeable in a number of disciplines and had no qualms about 'mixing it up'. Creative Problem Solving: Leonardo's inventions, such as his designs for flying machines, tanks, and hydraulic systems, showcased his unique approach to problem-solving. He didn't limit himself to conventional solutions but instead explored unconventional and imaginative avenues to address challenges. Curiosity and Observation: Divergent thinking often begins with a deep curiosity about the world and a keen sense of observation. Leonardo's notebooks are filled with meticulous observations of the natural world, anatomical studies, and detailed sketches. His ability to notice and document minute details set the stage for his creative ideas and breakthroughs. Integration of Art and Science: Leo's work illustrates his commitment to merging the realms of art and science. For instance, his anatomical studies informed his paintings by allowing him to depict the human body with unparalleled accuracy. This fusion of disciplines underscores his divergent thinking, transcending the traditional boundaries between art and science. Open-Mindedness: Open-mindedness is a key aspect of divergent thinking, as is a willingness to explore new ideas without preconceived notions. Leonardo was known for his open-mindedness and willingness to adapt his thinking in the face of new evidence or insights. He continuously sought to broaden his understanding of the world, embracing new concepts and perspectives. Embracing Ambiguity: Divergent thinking often involves dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty. Leonardo was comfortable with ambiguity and approached it with a sense of curiosity. His enigmatic works, such as the "Mona Lisa," reflect his comfort with subtle and open-ended interpretations, inviting viewers to contemplate and explore different meanings. Journey to Success: Leonardo's journey to success was characterised by an insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He apprenticed under Andrea del Verrocchio, a renowned Florentine artist, and quickly outgrew his mentor's tutelage. Leonardo's early works, such as "The Baptism of Christ," already displayed his exceptional talent and a penchant for incorporating innovative techniques. Despite his success as a painter, Leonardo was not content to confine himself to the world of art. His relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to explore a wide array of subjects, including anatomy, engineering, music, and botany. His notebooks, filled with sketches, observations, and musings, reveal the depth and breadth of his intellectual endeavours. Diverse Interests: One of the key markers of divergent thinking is the ability to engage with a multitude of interests and disciplines. Leonardo's interests spanned the spectrum of human knowledge. He was fascinated by human anatomy, conducting dissections and creating detailed anatomical drawings that are still considered masterpieces. His studies of human and animal anatomy laid the foundation for modern medical science. Leonardo's interest in engineering and design innovations was equally remarkable. He envisioned flying machines, tanks, and various hydraulic systems, showcasing his futuristic thinking. His famous Vitruvian Man drawing exemplifies his deep connection between art and science, illustrating the harmony of the human form within a geometric framework. Body of Work: Leonardo's body of work is a treasure trove of divergent thinking. His paintings, including the iconic "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," are celebrated for their artistic brilliance. However, they also display his keen scientific observations, such as his use of sfumato to create the ethereal quality of the "Mona Lisa's" smile. Moreover, his notebooks contain an incredible collection of sketches, diagrams, and notes that demonstrate his expansive interests and curiosity. They serve as a testament to his commitment to understanding the world around him and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. Achievements: Leonardo da Vinci's achievements are felt across multiple domains. In art, his masterpieces continue to captivate and inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. In science and engineering, his pioneering work in anatomy, physics, and engineering laid the groundwork for subsequent breakthroughs. His design concepts for flying machines and armoured vehicles were centuries ahead of his time. References and Citations: "Leonardo da Vinci" by Kenneth D. Keele in "The Oxford Companion to the History of Modern Science." "Leonardo da Vinci: The Complete Paintings and Drawings" by Frank Zöllner. "Leonardo da Vinci: The Marvellous Works of Nature and Man" by Martin Kemp. Leonardo da Vinci's status as a divergent thinker is indisputable. He effortlessly & masterfully straddled the worlds of art and science, using his remarkable talent and unquenchable curiosity to break down boundaries and pioneer new frontiers. His historical context, journey to success, diverse interests, body of work, and enduring achievements all serve as evidence of his unparalleled capacity for divergent thinking. Leonardo da Vinci's legacy continues to inspire creative minds and serve as a timeless example of the power of unbounded curiosity and innovation.

Design thinking is most certainly is not a simple exercise to do from a cold-start. Many may find that the creative process germinates from an ethereal spark, in response to a demand to problem / opportunity, or as a means to breaking my boredom of frustrations. So, I need to warm my thinking up. To kick me off, I had to think about how I might approach problem – the process might look like: · Frame the situation as problem &/or an opportunity, (and ideally, as both). At this point I will explore the situation 'divergently', until I get a clear lock on the problem & or opportunity. Then, I will attempt to clearly define it ('convergently'). I will use mind maps, collaborative (& relaxed) brainstorming to kick off the divert thinking process, and diagrams and text-limiters (ultimately describing it in 25-words or less) for divergence. In essence this process looks like: o Identification (and acknowledgement of the situation) o Abstraction (reaching a holistic understanding) o Decomposition (breaking the situation down to its atomic parts) o Analysis of the parts, the situation, and any design thoughts o Aggregation pulling the thoughts and idea back together to better able create a new solution. · Research not only the situation (problem or opportunity), but also what has been done before in similar situations. “Standing on the shoulders of giants” & “not reinventing the wheel” or good idioms to consider. Researching what others have done in the past can be a good launch pad. I also consider any & all processes from any & all discipline and see if I can repurpose, or ‘misuse’ them to my benefit. E.g., What can I take from the process of making my morning toast and apply/adapt it to my need now for some business problem I am addressing. · Immersion. Saturate yourself in the problem and the research, let it ruminate around your head. Extend bouts of applied effort can yield great results and quickly but will also eventually end diminishing returns of effort and ultimately staling progress &/or locking up your productivity. · Fluster. This is the ceasing-point at the tail-end of immersion. At this point, a lot of energy has been used, is in play, and built up. You neural wiring can only handle so much before the resistance buckles your interval system. Its at this point, like bodybuilder, that growth occurs. Your neural capacity is taxed and must adapt. For that to happen to you need to relax and recover. Don’t worry though – your subconscious is still working the situation. · Relax & step away from the problem. After tying you brain in knots it can be handy to step away from the problem and do something else. If I am learning a new technique of piece of music’s, I can get flustered and tied up in a stressful knot. When this happens, I suffer diminishing returned on any further effort. At this point I just say “f**k it” and blast a few riffs ro licks that I like, or noodle something inane. Surprisingly and like clockwork, the previous knot I had, has gone and I managed that hurdle - for now · Revelation or illuminating insight. Somewhere in the relaxation or meditation and illuminating insight will appear. It may be an “A-ha! Of course,” moment, it could be an “inspired from nowhere” revelation. · Experiment & testing the idea or revelation can resulting refining, adding to, or taking away from, the idea as matter of testing, or the totally abandonment of the initial idea because a new idea has popped up in the process. Eventually, you will settle on (at least) one idea to develop further as a potential candidate. Considering this process and looking out the window, I am literally pulling something out the air: I need a safe way to feed and hydrate the wilds birds that frequent my yard. I have some postal twine, an old pot plant trays, and plenty of growing bamboo (all of which I readily have) to build a two-tier feed and drink station that I can hang from the pepper tree in my yard. Situation: Example TBC. Consequence: TBC Objective: TBC Proposed Design: TBC Conclusion: TBC

Entry 2: Use this week’s readings to help you write about what it means to use Design Thinking and Creative Intelligence in a real-world design scenario. Show examples of outcomes that you believe are results of effective DT and CI processes and write why you feel they fill the criteria. Wow. Tough question. I work almost exclusively in capitalist corporations, either as a freelancer, associate consultant, or sub-contractor as a business architect or business analyst (& previously as a developer and project/implementation manager). My job ranges from identifying a problem and/or opportunity through to solutions design and delivery – conception to retirement. The thing that strikes me the most is the business's enthusiasm for a silver bullet, or the adoption of the next greatest trend (think; ITIL, UML, RUP, Agile, etc.) yet their inability or refusal to fully understand or discipline themselves in the use of those tools or processes, before they jump in & half-ass their way around a piece of work, trying to cram a square peg in a round hole with brute force and frustration. To be able to provide and meaningful answer to this, I would have to define DT & CI separately, and as a synergy. That said, this will only be as I currently (with bias) understand what I have learned on the subject. Design Thinking is a systematic and collaborative approach (see: Figure 2.) for identifying and creatively solving problems, and includes two major phases: · Identifying problems and · Solving problems (Luchs et al., 2016) Figure 2. (Gibson et al., 2015) Design thinking is not exactly science, and there is no one “correct” take on the subject (Lockwood, 2011), but irrespective of it is interpretations, it can be thought of as "a set of rules that outlines the steps to follow and actions to take when designing something" (Torrens class notes). Creative Intelligence is: A broad phrase known as "creative intelligence" (CQ) refers to the abilities needed to create, develop, locate, scrutinise, envisage, and make assumptions about ideas. It is impacted by the surroundings as well as the thought processes used in different contexts, such as the search for novel concepts, the lookout for unforeseen chances, and the formulation of plans to meet client wants or resolve various issues (Jager et al., 2020). High intelligence and use of working memory can enhance the perception and integration of stimuli during creative thought (Benedek et al., 2014) which can improve the results of creative thinking. Gibson (Gibson et al., 2015) note his 8-step approach to design thinking which he framed under one of the four lenses: Frame the specific challenge & resolve to focus on the problem. Research the subject. Review your known works and knowledge, and that of your peers. Study your subject exhaustively. Immerse yourself in the problem. Persistently and inexhaustibly explore a range of possible solutions (using what you know). Reach a roadblock. (Allow yourself to) feel the creative frustration Relax. If frustrations set in, take a break, relax &/or get playful… Detach from the problem. Let it incubate in the unconscious mind. Focus your attention of something else using one activity “as a relief from another”. Relieve the mental stress so that you can free-up your creativity and loosen any blocks. Come to an illuminating insight that fundamentally shifts your perspective. In this loose state, reconsider the problem – possibly against the seemingly begin/non-problem-relevant environment that you are relaxing in. Surround yourself with a rich source of potentially inspiring insights (various stimuli). Encourage active daydreaming, and allow any thoughts and ideas that pop up to flourish. Allow yourself to get excited about their potential and build the insight(s) you uncover, into big ideas. Experiment with and test these new ideas and allow yourself to fail – in the spirit of judgement and creative development. Gibson then also cited Thomas Edison’s (Gibson et al., 2015, p.216-218) approach to design which can not only be overlaid atop Gibson's 8-step approach, but which resonates with me as a practical day-to-day approach that I can directly relate to when I lead &/or undertake design, development, & deliver. To Paraphrase Gibson’s comparative analysis of Edison against his 8-step approach: Frame a specific challenge and focus on solving it. According to Neil Baldwin's biography of Edison, the great genius had a "consuming obsession." When Edison and his team in Menlo Park saw a problem or opportunity they wanted to pursue — something they thought would solve a significant issue, they would concentrate on it intensely, working nonstop for weeks on end in the tireless search for a solution. Research the subject. Learn from the work of others. To provide the groundwork for any endeavour, Edison first did a thorough study of the subject. He once told a reporter, "I start by reading up everything that has been done along that line in the past—that's what all these volumes in the library are for. When I want to discover something, I do that first. I can see the work that has been done in the past with a lot of effort and expense. As a starting point, I compile the results of hundreds of trials, and then I conduct thousands more. Immerse yourself in the problem. Explore possible solutions. The goal of Edison's never-ending "trial and error" studies was to test every potential outcome relentlessly and endlessly until the ideal solution was discovered. In the development of their incandescent light bulb, he and his engineering colleagues infamously tested over 3,000 different filament materials. It is less commonly known that in their efforts to create the first alkaline storage battery, Edison's team carried out close to 50,000 trials. Reach a roadblock. Feel the creative frustration. With so many experiments leading Edison and his team down blind alleys, there were inevitably times when they felt a deep sense of frustration. Edison expressed it as follows: “In trying to perfect a thing, I sometimes run straight up against a granite wall a hundred feet high. If, after trying and trying, I can’t get over it, I turn to something else.” Relax. Detach from the problem. Let it incubate in the unconscious mind. Edison regularly took a break from a project to read a different book, using one activity as a reprieve from another.vIntelligenceHe was adept at balancing intense focus with restful pauses. The team enjoyed midnight lunches around a large table, sharing pie, beer or coffee, jokes, smokes, and songs while someone played the lab's pipe organ. Edison valued time off for “loafing” since he enjoyed walking, gardening, and fishing. He has been observed sitting for hours with a baitless hook, peering at the rippling water. The naps followed. A couple of times a day Edison would climb on his desk and rest to re-energize, and his wife Mina later brought a cot to his workplace. Franklin Dyer, known as “muckers” among Edison’s Menlo Park experimenters, co-authored Edison: His Life and Inventions with Thomas Martin in 1910. According to the book, Edison used multiple volumes of Watt's Dictionary of Chemistry as pillows during his sleeps. Employees reported that he assimilated information while sleeping, judging by the rush of new ideas upon waking. Come to an illuminating insight that fundamentally shifts your perspective. Edison surrounded himself with opportunities for inspiration. In his Menlo Park lab, he had a vast array of machinery, materials, and chemicals that could be combined to develop new ideas. Carbon is a prevalent substance found around. Previously, the Lab produced lampblack, a pure carbon soot scraped from kerosene lamps burning in a neighbouring shed. During the development of the light bulb, Thomas Edison experimented with various filament materials, including paper, cardboard, fishing line, twine, cedar shavings, platinum, coconut hair, and vine and bamboo fibres. Legend has it that he inadvertently rolled a piece of lampblack between his fingers while working on another project. Mixing lampblack with tar made it pliable, and rolling it resulted in a fine thread. Edison realised that carbon lampblack may be an excellent filament while looking at his fingers. Build the insight (or insights) into a big idea—a new combination of thoughts. Although Edison investigated employing carbon filament in the light bulb project, oxygen in the atmosphere burned it quickly. Instead, he chose platinum for its greater melting point. Platinum melted at a lower temperature after absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere, according to research. Vacuum technology was developed to remove air from the bulb's glass chamber. This enhanced platinum filament performance, but their high cost and low electrical resistance made them unsuitable for commercial use. Edison required a cheap, slow-burning, high-resistance material to lower electricity distribution costs. Despite trying 40 metals and fibres from 1,000 bamboo species, none produced the desired lighting effect. He noticed the lampblack thread and realised that carbon might burn longer without oxygen, making it a feasible option. His insight was that carbon, which is cheap, easy to make, and has high electrical resistance, could be the ideal filament. The approach of saturating oneself in the problem and all known research until mental knots and frustrations ensue, and then relaxing with some other type of distraction is a personally proven approach. Once an idea takes root it can be nurtured to its potential and then tested for its worth. Irrespective of its success, the creative delivery inertia is broken, and progress will start rolling. Benedek, M., Jauk, E., Sommer, M., Arendasy, M., & Neubauer, A. C. (2014). Intelligence, creativity, and cognitive control: The common and differential involvement of executive functions in intelligence and creativity. Intelligence, 46, 73–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2014.05.007 Gibson, R. (2015). Part 4: How Big Ideas Are Built. In The four lenses of innovation: A power tool for creative thinking (pp. 204–285). essay, John Wiley & Sons. Jager, C. de, & Muller, A. (2020). Chapter 3: Creative Intelligence (CQ). In Creative intelligence cq@play shaping your future in the fourth industrial revolution (pp. 39–45). essay, Knowledge Resources. Lockwood, T. (2011). Thinking from Both Sides. In Design Thinking Integrating Innovation, customer experience and brand value (p. 13). essay, Allworth Press u.a. Luchs, M. G., Swan, K. S., & Griffin, A. (2016). Design thinking: New product development essentials for the PDMA. Wiley.

Blog Entry 1: Introduction to this subject As an introduction to you and your journey thus far that has led you to want to pursue a career in Design and any clarity you may have on the specific direction you want to head in. Share examples of designers who have inspired you and why you aspire to achieve design outcomes like them. In my youth, & through to this very day, I've always had a fascination with dreaming up, designing, and building things. The first thing I remember trying to build when I was about 8 years old, was a bomb out of an old radio. Essentially, I was pulling it apart and tinkering with it in the hope that I could make it do something, especially something exciting (to my young, hungry, and curious mind) - like a 'big bang'. I got a good ‘smack’ for that little effort. We lived on the fringe of a small town that had a recycling tip (transfer station) about 3km further out into the countryside, so about a 6 km round trip on our push bikes. Me & my friends used to sneak up there after closing and rummage around for spare bike parts, the previous months expired (surfer, hot-rod, easy-rider and 'adult') magazines, and discarded stereo systems. We made no end of audio devices and push bikes with whatever tools we could find &/or repurpose. Again, not always knowing what we trying to do – but gleefully enjoying the journey of discovering. In my very early teens, I persistently tried repairing & mounting an old Villiers cylinder mower engine (with magneto flywheel - it was so cool, an utterly wild idea that I nearly had it working) into an old push bike I knocked together. ..I had a vision, & I was hell-bent on finding out it was, and, how to manifest it. In my mid-teens, I would hang out with my neighbour whose father, first owned a vehicle repossession business, then a wrecking yard. I would go over there and help my friend work on the many ‘shit-boxes’ they had as 'practice work'. We had grand visions for the old those old wrecks – some were not clear but had strong ‘vibes’ & it was our job to chisel away the stone to reveal the vision and the art. Other times, we knew exactly what we after and just had to figure out how to realise it. The mechanical side things, be it electronics, combustion engines, or just general design & fabrication is fascinating. The details, structure, and flow paired with its form & functionality are constantly inspiring, and whatever I learn from one thing I try to apply to another – no matter how far removed the concept or practicality is. 20 years later I learned this practice to be something similar to 'pattern and anti-pattern design', and 'reuse, repurpose, and misuse'. In all fairness, I am an architect and artist at heart. I get electrically excited when I see a particular balance of form and function, and this history and ongoing fascination with conceptualising, designing & building something carries over into work as Business Architect & Business Analysis, and my previous roles as an infrastructure and application developer. For me, art and engineering are 2 sides of the same coin and cannot be separated. My journey in design is towards the ultimate: To create more, with less and realise the full creative journey, in its entirety - no matter what I am doing (including digital and business transformation).