What are the best methods for measuring the originality of an idea?

1 Divergent thinking tests

Divergent thinking tests are designed to assess your ability to generate multiple, varied, and relevant solutions to a problem or a question. For example, you might be asked to list as many uses as possible for a brick, or to draw as many different objects as possible from a circle. The originality of your responses is measured by how rare or uncommon they are compared to other people's answers. Divergent thinking tests are often used to measure creativity in general, but they can also be adapted to specific domains or contexts.

2 Consensual assessment technique

Consensual assessment technique (CAT) is a method that relies on the judgments of experts or peers to evaluate the originality of an idea. The idea is presented to a panel of raters who are familiar with the domain or field of the idea, and they rate it on a scale of originality, as well as other criteria such as quality, feasibility, or impact. The average rating across the panel is used as the measure of originality. CAT is useful for measuring the originality of complex or domain-specific ideas that require some knowledge or expertise to appreciate.

3 Creative product semantic scale

Creative product semantic scale (CPSS) is a method that uses a set of adjectives to describe the characteristics of a creative product or idea. The adjectives are grouped into four dimensions: novelty, resolution, elaboration, and synthesis. Novelty refers to how new, unique, or surprising the idea is. Resolution refers to how well the idea solves a problem or meets a need. Elaboration refers to how detailed, refined, or developed the idea is. Synthesis refers to how well the idea integrates different elements or perspectives. CPSS is useful for measuring the originality of ideas that have a tangible or visual form, such as artworks, designs, or inventions.

4 Computational creativity metrics

Computational creativity metrics are methods that use algorithms or models to measure the originality of an idea based on some mathematical or logical criteria. For example, some metrics use information theory to measure how much information or entropy an idea contains, or how much it deviates from the expected or typical patterns. Other metrics use analogy or similarity measures to compare an idea to existing ideas or concepts, and evaluate how novel or distant it is. Computational creativity metrics are useful for measuring the originality of ideas that can be represented in a formal or structured way, such as texts, codes, or formulas.

5 Self-report measures

Self-report measures are methods that ask you to rate your own originality or the originality of your idea, using a scale or a questionnaire. For example, you might be asked to rate how often you have original ideas, how confident you are in your originality, or how original your idea is compared to others. Self-report measures are useful for measuring the originality of ideas that are personal or subjective, or that depend on your own motivation, attitude, or experience. However, self-report measures can also be influenced by biases, such as overconfidence, underconfidence, or social desirability.

Measuring the originality of an idea is not a simple or straightforward task, but it can help you to evaluate, improve, and communicate your creativity and innovation. By using different methods for measuring the originality of an idea, you can gain different insights and perspectives on your idea, and identify its strengths and weaknesses. You can also use these methods to compare your idea to others, and to learn from other creative and innovative people. How do you measure the originality of your idea? Which method do you prefer and why?

6 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?