Creative problem solving.

How do we assess and solve a problem? As humans, I mean, most of us would tend to follow a basic pattern. Assess the situation, think logically about possible solutions, apply the solution that would appear to work the best, repeat if necessary. Its a very clear cut human process.

The process itself is not the thing that separates people, but how they choose to go about the process. Some people take measurements, chart graphs, calculate, analyze, work within the realm of what they know and what they have done before. Others like to stretch those bounds and try to apply something so wild eyed and crazy that no one thinks its going to work until it does.

When bound by conventional means it is often easy to forget even the most basic methods of solving a problem. For so long we have been Dependant on machines and computers and calculators and automatic power tools that the solutions of those many generations older than us are forgotten in the mist of time. This is not exactly a bad thing, but when you do not have the aid of modern conventions, how do you solve a modern problem?

An example, Wally Wallington presents the problem:

How did stone-age humans erect Stonehenge without the use of any modern tools?

The solution of course is simple. But you would never think of it in today's world, because we have all become attached to cranes and lifts and other modern tools that make a job like lifting a heavy object take mere minutes.

The ability to realize an alternative solution to a basic problem, that is creative problem solving.