For several decades, psychologists have been studying creative mental processes, and we have a really good understanding of what goes on in the mind when people are being creative. I summarize this research in my 2012 book Explaining Creativity, by grouping all of the research into eight “stages” or “habits of mind” that are involved… Read More Shortcut: How Analogies Drive Innovation
My research shows that innovation always emerges from collaborative groups and distributed social networks. My 2007 book Group Genius proves that the lone inventor is a myth. All creativity emerges from many contributions, from many different people, distributed through space and time. The most innovative teams, organizations, and economic systems are the ones that enable everyone’s… Read More What Political System Best Fosters Innovation?
In a recent post, I argued: Tests are horrible measures of whether students are mastering valuable 21st century skills, the skills that really matter. Just published is a new book by education writer Anya Kamenetz that attacks the standardized tests that are used today in the United States. The TIME Magazine review quotes from it: The research… Read More The Problem With School Testing
I’m reading a fascinating book about creativity called The Art of Tinkering, curated by the two co-directors of the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Tinkering Studio. The book brings together creations and practices of artists and makers from all over the United States. I love this list of “Tinkering Tenets” from the book–daily practices that help you… Read More The Art of Tinkering
The Creativity Guru 