The creative problem solving process can be viewed in a variety of ways. I use a version of the “feedback” method where we never go forward without looking back to check where we are and to determine if we are on target. With this method we can make adjustments as we go through the process without having to start over at the end of the process, which saves time and money.
The feedback method steps include
Analysis
Information gathering, learn as much as we can about the problem and expectations.
Definition
Define objectives based on the information gathering step. This will become the basis for the creative and evaluation processes. Key to this method is that all parties must agree on these objectives before proceeding.
Ideation
The creative process of coming up with ideas to solve the problem based on the defined objectives.
Idea Selection
Decide which idea(s) fulfill the requirements of our objectives better than the others. Again, all parties must agree on the selection(s) to be implemented before proceeding.
Implementation
To create the final representation of the approved solution, to bring into physical form.
Evaluation
Evaluation happens through out the process to make sure we are on target. This happens during the definition process to form agreements on the objectives, during the selection process to only select appropriate ideas for presentation, and after the implementation process to compare the final with the defined objectives.