Creativity isn’t magic, it’s habits.

Day two began with an introduction to the Creativity Cycle and adopting new habits. As researchers, we’re often taught to filter information out, and so the first step in the Creativity Cycle is to give ourselves permission to be curious; to start noticing things.

The second step is then to capture those things we notice. In this instance, in rather fetching notebooks which encourage thinking “outside the triangle”. Not everything captured will be immediately useful, but the act of writing things down can help to spark ideas later.

As homework, participants were asked to begin looking at the world around them and capturing what they saw to encourage these habits, leading to the creation of our Creativity Wall.

Capturing brand names and logos, news articles, and images from video calls to friends and family, participants created an inspiring wall reflecting their experiences and surroundings.

The next step in the Creativity Cycle are to be organised; to assess the contents of our new notebooks, looking for trends and creating structures. Considering areas where we struggle can help honing our focus.

Next, be collaborative and start combining the ideas and snippets we’ve captured and begun to organise. Adding them to our problems and ideas, or even collaborating with others.

Being weird can have a transformative effect for creativity, and so the next step is to try changing things up. Do things differently, whether it’s going to a new location or talking to new people.

Relaxing and taking the time to think about other things is an important final step. The act of going for a walk, knitting a scarf, or meeting friends can help to find balance, as well as trigger creativity and new ideas.

Time to start thinking outside the triangle. Kickstart the Creativity Cycle. Engage your curiosity and start capturing the world around you. What do you notice?