Creating New Realities

After reading  a range of books on creativity three key themes keep coming up: imagination, play and dialogue. However on further reflection they seem to refer to the same issue of exploration. Imagination seems to be inward exploration, play outward exploration (either alone or with others), and dialogue (in the form described in creativity books, e.g. Bohmian dialogue) as exploration through conversation with others. One definition of exploration is “to travel for the purpose of discovery”. Therefore exploration often leads to the discovery of new ideas. I think that exploration can also lead to inspiration and insight (but that’s another discussion). Exploration is also related to the question “what if”. By allowing time to explore the “what if” through imagination, play and dialogue you give yourself the chance to break new ground. Some people also refer to imagination as the play of the mind. The product innovation process commonly used in industry is called Human-Centred Design and it talks about play through the prototyping of new ideas and concepts. The other key aspect of the process is gaining insight into the explicit and implicit needs and desires of people through observation, participation (play) and interaction (dialogue). So these aspects are also critical in the design of new products and services.