Module 1:

Introduction to Creative and Critical

Thinking LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module, students must be able to:
∙ Define Design Thinking and understand its core principles
∙ Analyze how design thinking processes help create need-driven innovation to enhance
student learning
∙ Describe the qualities of an effective team in creative and collaborative environments

We live in a D-VUCAD world. It is a world where disruption, volatility, uncertainty, complexity,

ambiguity, and diversity coexist. Hence it’s becoming a fast-changing world that essentially warrants
both the ability to think creatively and critically to succeed in education, business, and in life. This
module explores how creative and critical thinking processes work together to drive innovation, solve
real-life complex problems, and foster effective leadership.

CREATIVE THINKING vs CRITICAL THINKING

CREATIVE THINKING CRITICAL THINKING

The process of generating new, original, The process of objectively analyzing,

and innovative ideas evaluating, and synthesizing information to
form logical or reasonable judgments

IT INVOLVES…

Divergent Thinking Analytical Reasoning

(exploring multiple possible solutions) (breaking down complex problems)

Imagination and Intuition Evidence-Based Evaluation

(going beyond conventional thinking boundaries) (assessing the quality and relevance of information)

Flexibility Logical Reasoning

(adapting and modifying ideas) (drawing valid conclusions)

Risk-taking Skeptical Inquiry

(willingness to explore unconventional approaches) (questioning assumptions and biases)

Synthesis Systematic Evaluation

(combining existing concepts in novel ways) (using structured approaches to assess options)

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Open-ended exploration Objective analysis

Suspending judgment during ideation Evidence-based conclusions
Embracing ambiguity and uncertainty Systematic problem-solving
Building upon ideas collaboratively Recognition of limitations and biases

The Synergy Between Creative and Critical Thinking

CREATIVE THINKING CRITICAL THINKING
 Generate possibilities Evaluate and refine these possibilities

CREATIVE + CRITICAL THINKING

Produce viable and innovative solutions

ACCTY INST 3A | CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING

∙ Creative and Critical Thinking are NOT opposing factors. These are synergistic approaches that
when combined, enable us to generate novel solutions while extensively evaluating their
potential impact and feasibility.

SKILLS INVOLVED IN CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING

CREATIVE THINKING CRITICAL THINKING CREATIVE + CRITICAL THINKING

∙ Brainstorming ∙ Analysis ∙ Problem identification

(generating multiple ideas (breaking down (recognizing and defining
without immediate information into parts) challenges clearly)
judgment) ∙ Evaluation ∙ Solution Design
∙ Mind Mapping (assessing the credibility (creating comprehensive
(visualizing connections and relevance of approaches to address
between concepts) information) problems) ∙ Decision-Making
∙ Analogical Thinking ∙ Inference (selecting optimal solutions
(drawing parallels from (drawing logical based on criteria)
different areas) conclusions from ∙ Communication
∙ Perspective-Taking available evidence) (articulating ideas clearly and
(viewing problems from ∙ Interpretation persuasively)
multiple points of view) (understanding meaning ∙ Collaboration
∙ Improvisation and significance) (working effectively with
(adapting quickly to new ∙ Self-Regulation diverse teams)
situations) (monitoring and adjusting
thinking processes)

OVERVIEW OF THE DESIGN THINKING PROCESS

∙ DESIGN THINKING – a human-centered, iterative problem-solving methodology that emphasizes

empathy, experimentation, and collaboration to develop and create innovative solutions that
meet real and actual human needs.
 ACCTY INST 3A | CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING
THE FIVE-PHASE DESIGN THINKING PROCESS
PHASES PURPOSE ACTIVITIES OUTCOME

Understand the ∙ Interviews Deep

EMPATHIZE
1 user’s needs,
thoughts,
emotions, and
∙ Observations
∙ Immersion
understanding
of user
perspective
experiences
motivations and pain
points

Synthesize ∙ Point-of-View A well-defined,

DEFINE
2 observations
into a clear
problem
creation
∙ Problem-framing
actionable
problem
∙ Needs articulation statement
statement

Generate a ∙ Brainstorming Multiple

IDEATE
3 wide range of
creative
solutions
∙ Mind mapping
∙ Worst possible idea
innovative
solution concepts
∙ SCAMPER
technique

Build tangible ∙ Rapid prototyping Testable

PROTOTYPE
4 representations
of ideas for
testing
∙ Low/High-fidelity
Prototyping
∙ Storyboarding
versions of
solutions

∙ Role-playing
∙ Mock-ups
 Gather ∙ User testing Validated,
TEST
5 feedback and
refine
solutions
∙ Feedback
collection ∙ Iteration
planning
improved
solutions
ready for
implementation

Key Principles of Design Thinking

1. Human-centered – It always starts with understanding the users/people

2. Iterative – It is a continuous cycle of testing and refining until the solution is ready to be
implemented 3. Collaborative – It encourages diverse perspectives and expertise
4. Experimental – it embraces failure as a learning opportunity
5. Visual and Tangible – It makes abstract ideas concrete

INVENTION SPOTTING

∙ INVENTION – creative ability; the action of inventing something, typically a process or device; the
physical creation of a new concept or idea
∙ INNOVATION – to make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods,
ideas, or products
∙ INVENTION SPOTTING – the skill of identifying gaps, inefficiencies, or unmet needs that represent
opportunities for innovative solutions. It involves developing a keen awareness of problems that
others might overlook or accept as inevitable.

ACCTY INST 3A | CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING

∙ In design thinking, invention spotting is important because:
- It helps you learn from existing solutions.
- It encourages creative connections between unrelated fields
- It allows you to spot gaps and opportunities where current inventions fall short.
- Serves as a jumpstart inspiration when brainstorming ideas.

Key Techniques for Invention Spotting

1. OBSERVATION AND ETHNOGRAPHY

- Watch how people interact with products, services, and environments
- Notice moments of frustration, quick-fix or band-aid solutions, or inefficiencies
- Pay attention to WHAT PEOPLE SAY vs WHAT PEOPLE DO
2. QUESTION EVERYTHING
- Ask, “Why is this done this way?”
- Challenge assumptions about how things SHOULD work
- Look for gaps between current solutions and ideal outcomes
3. CROSS-DOMAIN INSPIRATION
- Study solutions from completely different fields
- Identify principles that might transfer to new contexts
- Look for analogies and metaphors that suggest new approaches
4. TREND ANALYSIS
- Monitor emerging technologies and social challenges
- Anticipate how current trends might create new needs
 - Identify convergence points between different trends

Common Sources of Innovation Opportunities

1. PAIN POINTS – moments of frustration in user experiences
2. QUICK-FIX / BAND-AID SOLUTIONS / WORKAROUNDS – creative solutions users develop to
overcome limitations or frustrations
3. EDGE CASES – unusual situations that current solutions don’t address well 4.
EMERGING NEEDS – new requirements created by technological or social changes 5.
ACCESSIBILITY GAPS – barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing solutions

Developing Your Invention Spotting Skills

1. Practice active observation - Regularly spend time watching and questioning. 2. Maintain
curiosity - Approach familiar situations with fresh eyes or perspective. 3. Document insights
- Keep a journal of observed problems and potential solutions 4. Seek Diverse Perspectives
- Talk to people from different backgrounds and experiences. 5. Stay Informed - Keep up
with the trends, research, and emerging technologies.

How to Spot an Invention/Innovation

1. Find a sole new feature.
2. Find a new combination of known features.
3. Identify what problem in the investor intends to solve and what problem he did objectively solve.
4. Look for the trick of the invention

∙ Example of Invention Spotting:

Case Problem: Long walks in airports

Air travelers often struggle with the long distances between the check-in counters and boarding
gates. For many, especially with luggage in tow, the long walk is exhausting and stressful.

ACCTY INST 3A | CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING

Invention Spotted: Scooter + Luggage

Scooter – a fast, easy, and compact way to move short (sometimes longer distances)
Wheeled Luggage – already a staple for travelers, designed for carrying belongings
efficiently.

Invention Spotting Insight: What if we combine the scooter and luggage in a single innovation?

Solution: Ride-On Luggage

- Travelers can ride their suitcase like a scooter, gliding through the airport instead of
dragging it.
- The luggage has built-in wheels and handlebars for steering.
- It functions as both luggage and transportation, reducing fatigue and saving time
- Bonus: Could include a motorized version for even smoother rides.
Problem Insight Solution
TEAM BUILDING CONCEPTS

Essential Elements of Effective Teams:

1. Psychological Safety
a. Team members feel safe to express ideas, ask questions, and make mistakes
b. No fear of ridicule or punishment for creative risk-taking
c. Open communication about challenges and failures
d. Trust that everyone has the team's best interests at heart
2. Diversity and Inclusion
a. Mix of backgrounds, skills, perspectives, and experiences
b. Inclusive practices that value all contributions
c. Cognitive diversity to enhance problem-solving
d. Gender, cultural, and disciplinary diversity
3. Clear Roles and Responsibilities
a. Well-defined individual contributions to team goals
b. Understanding of each member's strengths and expertise
c. Flexible role boundaries that allow for collaboration
d. Accountability for both individual and team outcomes

ACCTY INST 3A | CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING