Creative Confidence: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Creative Confidence, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Everyone can be creative
Tom and David Kelley, from the design firm IDEO and Stanford's d.school, argue that creativity is not a rare gift.
They believe everyone has creative ability, but many lose confidence in it.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Fear blocks creativity
The authors argue that fear of judgement and failure stops people from trying creative ideas.
In their account, many people have been taught to worry about looking foolish, so they stop sharing ideas and trying new things.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Design thinking can be learned
The authors describe design thinking, a process of understanding users, generating ideas and testing them.
In their view, these skills can be practised by anyone, not just trained designers. Such a method turns vague hunches into small tests with real people.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Empathy reveals needs
The authors argue that understanding users' experiences leads to better solutions.
In their view, watching and listening to the people who will use a product reveals problems they might not mention. These insights lead to better-fitting ideas.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
A scanner was redesigned for children
The authors tell how designer Doug Dietz redesigned MRI scanners as adventure themes after seeing children frightened.
In their account, the hospital scanner became a pirate ship or a jungle, and children began to see the test as an adventure, not a scare.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Prototype quickly
The authors encourage building quick, rough prototypes to test ideas.
In their view, a rough model made from paper or foam lets people test an idea cheaply and learn fast. Early mistakes cost little.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Failure is part of learning
The authors argue that failure is a normal part of the creative process.
In their account, each setback offers information about what to try next. Those who treat mistakes as lessons keep experimenting, while those who fear them stop.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Confidence grows with practice
The authors argue that creative confidence grows by doing creative work.
In their view, small successes in creative work build a person's belief in their own ability, which makes them willing to try bigger things.
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