What are the steps to creating your own creative process?

1 Identify your goal

The first step to creating your own creative process is to define what you want to achieve, why it matters, and how you will measure your success. Having a clear and specific goal will help you focus your efforts, avoid distractions, and evaluate your progress. You can use tools like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) or OKR (Objectives and Key Results) to set and track your goal.

2 Gather information

The next step is to research and collect relevant information that will inform your creative thinking. This could include data, facts, trends, insights, examples, feedback, or anything else that relates to your goal. You can use various sources, such as books, articles, podcasts, interviews, surveys, or observations, to find and organize your information. You can also use tools like mind maps, diagrams, or charts to visualize and analyze your information.

3 Generate ideas

The third step is to use your information to generate as many ideas as possible, without judging or filtering them. This is where you can unleash your imagination, curiosity, and divergent thinking. You can use techniques like brainstorming, freewriting, sketching, or SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, or Reverse) to stimulate and expand your ideas. You can also collaborate with others, such as mentors, peers, or customers, to get different perspectives and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?