What is Creative Problem Solving? 

Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a method for tackling complex challenges by combining structured steps with creative freedom. It guides a group from clearly defining a problem, through generating diverse ideas, to selecting and refining the most promising solutions. CPS balances divergent thinking—exploring many possibilities—with convergent thinking—focusing on the best options—to turn challenges into actionable results.

In Creative Problem Solving, the facilitator designs and guides the process, keeping the group focused, encouraging diverse ideas, and ensuring a balance between open exploration and concrete decision-making. They stay neutral about the content, focusing instead on how the work gets done.

The problem owner brings the challenge to be solved, provides context, and evaluates the ideas. They share their knowledge, clarify goals, and decide which solutions to take forward—while remaining open to fresh perspectives from the group.

My role

My role was setting up the program. To do that, we held a co-creation session to work out the planning and the physical tools we would need to teach the methods in just one day. We created focus points and divided tasks after finalizing our planning.