Creative Problem Solving Tips

These creative-problem-solving tips were originally published as a regular column in the American Creativity Association's Focus newsletter.   They were written by Richard Fobes, who is the author of The Creative Problem Solver's Toolbox: A Complete Course in the Art of Creating Solutions to Problems of Any Kind

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Tip 7: If necessary, regard implementing a creative solution as a separate problem with a separate solution.

The safety razor was first invented to solve the problem of men cutting themselves while shaving with a bare blade.   Yet in spite of the safety advantage safety razors offered, few men bought them.   Part of their reluctance was due to the high cost of the handle, which had to be bought before the disposable blades could be used.   King Camp Gillette overcame this secondary problem by selling his company's handles for less than what it cost to manufacture them - and selling his blades at a high profit.   To stop other manufacturers from selling blades to fit his handles, he patented the way the handle and blade attached.   This was the key to the sudden increase in popularity of his company's razors, which rose from 51 razors and 168 blades in 1903 to 90,000 razors and 12,400,000 blades in 1904.

It's often not enough that you create a solution to a problem.   Typically you must also create a way to make it easier for people to adopt your solution.   This applies not only to situations in which customers have to buy a product, but also applies to situations such as convincing managers, fellow employees, or friends to embrace a useful approach you've created to improve a business or social situation.

If you find people reluctant to adopt one of your creative solutions, think of the process of implementing your solution as a separate problem needing a separate (and perhaps creative) solution.


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