Creative problem-solving (sometimes abbreviated as CPS) is a collaborative work ethic that aims to discover and create innovative solutions to unique problems. This problem-solving process involves brainstorming innovative ideas, gathering data, and testing solutions.

Advertising executive Alex Osborn (1888–1966) and academic Sid Parnes (1922–2013) developed and popularized the CPS process, which various professional sectors (marketing, technology, et cetera) use as a problem-solving technique to find fresh perspectives on current issues, gaps in the market, or [customer needs](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/customer-needs). 
In the CPS process, thinkers move away from speedy answers to problems and use <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking","linkCopy":"critical thinking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>critical thinking</a> to identify solutions. Follow these steps to build creative problem-solving skills:

1. __Define the problem.__ Before any [decision-making](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-informed-decisions), teams must first articulate a problem. This problem definition will be the engine for creative thinkers to begin the [innovation process](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/why-innovation-is-essential-for-business-success) of ideating.
2. __Gather data__. After defining the problem, teams collect data via research, surveys, and existing statistics to determine where a need lies in the market, its specific factors, and possible solutions for consumers.
3. __Brainstorm ideas__. Unusual ideas and out-of-the-box thinking are part of the CPS process. During this step, teams explore ideas for potential solutions to the issue.
4. __Find creative solutions__. Brainstorming will lead to discovering possible avenues for practical solutions, which teams can then test on the market or in trial groups. Creative problem solvers can analyze results and identify the best solution possible.
When employing the creative problem-solving process with team members, consider the following tips:

1. __Pose problems as questions__. In creative problem-solving, a problem is not an obstacle but an opportunity for exploration. Posing problems as questions, then, opens your mind and allows you to experiment more fluidly. The more specific you can make the problem you are trying to solve, the easier it will be to determine solutions that are particularly pertinent to your brainstorming work.
2. __Use different <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-think-more-creatively' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-think-more-creatively","linkCopy":"types of thinking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>types of thinking</a>__. [Divergent thinking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/divergent-thinking) generates numerous ideas in response to a problem, while convergent thinking narrows down plausible answers, helping teams quickly come to concrete solutions. You might also try [design thinking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/design-thinking-explained), a methodology for identifying and solving problems seen through a consumer, user, or participant’s eyes.
3. __Explore potential solutions through completion__. Test or talk out each solution from its starting point to its conclusion to see where the holes are and to find keys that may unlock other potential solutions. 
4. __Keep an open mind.__ Suspend your judgment or any limitations that money, resources, or other elements may put on your work. It is essential to keep an open mind and brainstorm without constriction.
5. __Step away from the process__. Breathing room is crucial to let ideas marinate and new ones emerge. Step away now and then, take walks, and get fresh air. Constant work can be stifling. 
6. __Create an encouraging environment__. Team members should “yes, and” each other’s proposals and play off of them, and the physical environment should be similarly comforting to engender a creative space. 
All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of *Teen Vogue* and host of CBS’ *The Talk*), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s *Insecure*), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams. 
The creative problem-solving process is a brainstorming technique that promotes creative thinking and idea generation to find previously unknown solutions to complex problems.

The creative problem-solving process is a brainstorming technique that promotes creative thinking and idea generation to find previously unknown solutions to complex problems.

Creative Problem Solving: 5 Tips for Creative Problem-Solving

Creative problem-solving (sometimes abbreviated as CPS) is a collaborative work ethic that aims to discover and create innovative solutions to unique problems. This problem-solving process involves brainstorming innovative ideas, gathering data, and testing solutions.Advertising executive Alex Osborn (1888–1966) and academic Sid Parnes (1922–2013) developed and popularized the CPS process, which various professional sectors (marketing, technology, et cetera) use as a problem-solving technique to find fresh perspectives on current issues, gaps in the market, or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/customer-needs' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/customer-needs","linkCopy":"customer needs","category":null}'>customer needs</a>.

What Is Creative Problem-Solving? 

In the CPS process, thinkers move away from speedy answers to problems and use <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-critical-thinking","linkCopy":"critical thinking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>critical thinking</a> to identify solutions. Follow these steps to build creative problem-solving skills:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Define the problem. Before any <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-informed-decisions' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-informed-decisions","linkCopy":"decision-making","category":null}'>decision-making</a>, teams must first articulate a problem. This problem definition will be the engine for creative thinkers to begin the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/why-innovation-is-essential-for-business-success' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/why-innovation-is-essential-for-business-success","linkCopy":"innovation process","category":null}'>innovation process</a> of ideating. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Gather data. After defining the problem, teams collect data via research, surveys, and existing statistics to determine where a need lies in the market, its specific factors, and possible solutions for consumers. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Brainstorm ideas. Unusual ideas and out-of-the-box thinking are part of the CPS process. During this step, teams explore ideas for potential solutions to the issue. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Find creative solutions. Brainstorming will lead to discovering possible avenues for practical solutions, which teams can then test on the market or in trial groups. Creative problem solvers can analyze results and identify the best solution possible. </li></ol>

How to Use Creative Problem-Solving 

When employing the creative problem-solving process with team members, consider the following tips:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Pose problems as questions. In creative problem-solving, a problem is not an obstacle but an opportunity for exploration. Posing problems as questions, then, opens your mind and allows you to experiment more fluidly. The more specific you can make the problem you are trying to solve, the easier it will be to determine solutions that are particularly pertinent to your brainstorming work. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Use different <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-think-more-creatively' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-think-more-creatively","linkCopy":"types of thinking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>types of thinking</a>. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/divergent-thinking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/divergent-thinking","linkCopy":"Divergent thinking","category":null}'>Divergent thinking</a> generates numerous ideas in response to a problem, while convergent thinking narrows down plausible answers, helping teams quickly come to concrete solutions. You might also try <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/design-thinking-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/design-thinking-explained","linkCopy":"design thinking","category":null}'>design thinking</a>, a methodology for identifying and solving problems seen through a consumer, user, or participant’s eyes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Explore potential solutions through completion. Test or talk out each solution from its starting point to its conclusion to see where the holes are and to find keys that may unlock other potential solutions. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Keep an open mind. Suspend your judgment or any limitations that money, resources, or other elements may put on your work. It is essential to keep an open mind and brainstorm without constriction. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Step away from the process. Breathing room is crucial to let ideas marinate and new ones emerge. Step away now and then, take walks, and get fresh air. Constant work can be stifling. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Create an encouraging environment. Team members should “yes, and” each other’s proposals and play off of them, and the physical environment should be similarly comforting to engender a creative space. </li></ol>

5 Tips for Creative Problem-Solving

All you need is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of Teen Vogue and host of CBS’ The Talk), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s Insecure), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams.

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The creative problem-solving process is a brainstorming technique that promotes creative thinking and idea generation to find previously unknown solutions to complex problems.

The creative problem-solving process is a brainstorming technique that promotes creative thinking and idea generation to find previously unknown solutions to complex problems.


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Creative Problem Solving: 5 Tips for Creative Problem-Solving