Creative Problem Solving process

Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is an organizing system of productive thinking tools that can be applied to understanding problems and opportunities effectively and efficiently. CPS uses both creative and critical thinking tools to generate and refine options to better understand problems.

CPS has three components:

- Understanding the Problem: Examines the situation or challenge in detail

- Generating Ideas: Uses tools like Brainstorming to generate options

- Planning for Action: Refines options and ideas into action

CPS and other creative methods are taught at the International Center for Studies in Creativity ( www.buffalostate.edu/centers/creativity/ )