INTERSECTIONAL CREATIVITY
Are Logical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving two separate paradigms?
Here's a few resources I'd recommend, that have helped me in my journey:
IKIGAI
IKIGAI is a Japanese concept which means ‘reason for living’, an introspective search for something that gives one a sense of purpose. By identifying a) what one loves, b) what in their opinion their local community and the world at large need as well as c) what they think they are good at are indicators of self-reflection that will help them better understand their individual roles as changemakers.
LIFELONG LEARNING
Lifelong learning is firmly based on the principle of cross-boundary collaboration where students and staff can get together to reflect on challenges facing reshaping engineering. This can take the form of facilitating designathons wherein teams are made up of both students and staff or the creation of a joint online community of students and staff at the end of the designathon. The creation of an online community can help harness tools such as “reverse mentoring” wherein the “less experienced” individual(s), that is the student(s), offers specific knowledge, often based on lived experience, to the “more technically trained or experienced” individual(s) who are professionals in engineering. It is evident to see how being informed of a students’ lived experiences, particularly those of underrepresented groups, in engineering education can help inform practices on reshaping the way it is taught and practiced in the 21st century.
DRAGON DREAMING
Dragon Dreaming (2022) is a creative and collaborative project management tool that allows teams to unleash their highest potential as change-makers navigating complex real-world problems. Generative questioning such as “What would enable you to say – yes! I am so pleased I worked on this project!?” and charismatic communication are two powerful tools offered by Dragon Dreaming. Generative questions give teams a chance to discover any missing aspects while ideating solutions to the project brief. As designers in the real world have to go out to communicate the benefits and the limitations of their proposed product or service to members of the community, charismatic communication serves as a potent tool to train young students on how to do this using a win-win language. Any resistance to new ideas and inter-disciplinarity must be welcomes and engaged with as a creative source for transformation rather than an obstacle to overcome.
LIBERATORY DESIGN
Liberatory design developed the Institute of Design at Stratford University offers a step-by-step guide on how to practice self-awareness to identify power imbalances and structures of oppression and cultivate spaces of safety that allow one to navigate complexity and tap into their creative confidence. This tool, not only serves as a pathway for team building, but it also complements IKIGAI as a tool of self-awareness