Use constraints to boost creativity

The myth is that creativity is the outcome of complete freedom. The reality is quite the opposite. Creativity often stems from pain and conflict. It starts with problems we encounter and situations where time, resources, and information are limited.

John Spencer and A.J. Juliani. Launch: Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student.

For me, the point of this excerpt isn’t to glorify or trivialise the ‘pain and conflict’ that can arise in academia. I wanted to note that we can often find opportunity in situations where ‘time, resources, and information are limited’. In other words, we can use constraints to boost creativity.

First of all, let’s explore some common limitations in more detail, focusing on the opportunities they present.

Time constraints

• Focus the mind: When you have less time, you have to prioritise and make decisions quickly. This can help to prevent you from getting bogged down in unimportant details and can lead to more innovative solutions.
• Increase urgency: A deadline can be a powerful motivator. When you know you have to get something done by a certain time, you’re more likely to put in the effort to be creative.
• Spark new ideas: When you’re under pressure, you may be more likely to think outside the box and come up with new ideas that you might not have otherwise considered.

Resource constraints

• Force you to be resourceful: When you don’t have all the resources you need, you have to get creative with what you do have.
• Level the playing field: If everyone has the same limited resources, it can be easier for new and innovative ideas to emerge, as people are not constrained by the status quo.
• Encourage collaboration: When you don’t have all the skills and expertise you need yourself, you have to work with others. This can lead to more cross-disciplinary solutions.

Information constraints

• Encourage critical thinking: When you don’t have all the information you need, you have to think critically about the information you do have and draw your own conclusions.
• Prevent confirmation bias: You can get stuck in a confirmation bias loop when you have too much information, as you tend to seek information that confirms your beliefs. Limited information can help you to avoid this and be more open to new ideas.
• Spark curiosity: When you don’t know something, it can make you curious to learn more. This curiosity can lead you down new paths and help you to make new connections.

So, how can you find opportunities in challenging situations? Here are a few strategies:

• Embrace the constraints: Instead of seeing limitations as a barrier, see them as an opportunity to be creative. Ask yourself, “What can I do with what I have?”
• Collaborate with others: When you work with others, you can share resources and expertise. This can help you to overcome challenges and come up with new and innovative ideas.
• Think outside the box: Don’t be afraid to try new things and challenge the status quo; it’s when you’re faced with a limitation that you can be the most creative.
• Focus on the positive: When you’re in a challenging situation, it’s easy to get discouraged. But it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of the situation. What are the opportunities that this challenge presents?