Increasing your creativity

The work of a designer is largely in the invention of new things that requires creativity that is considered to be depends oninspirationthat makes it unpredictable and difficult to control. Many designers, as well as those who would like to try their hand at design, wonder: what if the inspiration does not come at the right time?

There are many practical recommendations from experienced designers and design managers on how to work without inspiration. They mainly rely on discipline, planning and work with references. I would like to offer an alternative approach:how to stimulate creativity and "attract" inspiration with a neuronum .

I am Marina and I have long been deeply interested in neuroncus. I tried many methods from my own experience and watched the experience of my colleagues. In this article, I want to share the ways that seemed to me the most effective to stimulate creativity that I eventually embedded in my life on a constant basis.

How our brain works

The brain has been and remains an important topic that has not been sufficiently researched, especially in the context of design and design. In my opinion, no other profession is a combination of creativity and logic as design. This raises a fair question: which part of the brain is more important, left or right? To begin with, let's briefly consider which part of the brain is responsible for:

Although each part of the brain is responsible for certain functions, they work together for information processing. For some activities (Data analysis, equation solution and work with accurate calculations) may be more important to rely on the left hemisphere, while for others (Writing music, acting) - on the right hemisphere.

However, when it comes to the design and design process,It is important to stimulate both hemispheresBut not to limit the role of a product designer mainly left or right hemisphere.

Inter -coal interaction in product design: why both are equally important

In product design, the need for well -adjustedinter -hilly interactionparticularly noticeable because this work requiresbalance between logic and creativity. The logical functions of the left hemisphere help designers to understand complex problems, analyze the needs of users and organize structured workflows, ensuring the functionality and convenience of using the product.

For example, logical processes are crucial for creating Weirframs and User Flows, as well as for technical restrictions. On the other hand, the creative and spatial abilities of the right hemisphere play a crucial role in the development of visually attractive design and innovative user experience. It is extremely important for the designer to think outstarting and solve users' problems, not forgetting the balanced and attractive visual component.

The harmonious interaction between the two hemispheres allows designers to combine practical functionality and creative innovations. This balance leads to the creation of products that not only meet the technical and custom requirements, but also provide a pleasant, intuitive and visually exciting user experience.

The relevance of this topic

The idea that the two parts of the brain are interconnected and complement each other during creative tasks are not new and are not my invention. One of the most influential works for designers of products is“The experience of visual thinking”Robert H. Mackima, Honorary Professor of Mechanical Engineering. The value of this book is to attempt the author to explain visual thinking through the lens of psychology, neurology, semantics, art and perception. Later, this work was included in the list of recommended literature of Stanford University for students-engineers and artistic design, which further emphasized its importance outside the design.

In the context of the left and right hemispheres of the brain, the author explains and demonstrates with the help of a number of experiments that to achieveproductive thinking- One that leads to creative actions - we need to achieve an "internal transfer" between the so -called rational and intuitive brain halves. In our process of thinking to achieve creativity, we need to build bridges to"To integrate the artist and scientist in each of us."

He offers a series of exercises ("3-1/food for reflection", "3-2/dominant eye", "3-3/internal transfer"), who demonstrate that both hemispheres of the brain complement each other in cognitive and creative functions, and proposes to practice them to achieve the so -called "internal transfer".

One of the simplest exercises offered by McKim is“3-2/dominant eye”. Look at the picture and try to describe what you see:

If you see a duck first (most people see it first) - your left hemisphere is more active. This is because the left hemisphere was activated to read. If you see a rabbit - often after mentioned - your right hemisphere is more active. This exercise shows that we can consciously switch between hemispheres, training ourselves more effectively to attract any side.

In his work Professor G. Mackim not only demonstrates how to activate the left or right hemisphere, but also explainscomplementary ways of thinking, consisting of two stages. The first stage involves generating an array of ideas, often through the process of visual thinking, while the second stage is focused on the choice and improvement of these ideas (or objects) for further development. Creativity is born in the first stage, but in order to be noticeable, it needs the second stage. Even mathematics think not only mathematical symbols; Many, especially creative, use vague images and visual means as part of their thought processes.

According to McKim, creativity requires a balanced development of both hemispheres, since creative thinkers are ambidext and are able to turn ideas into practical steps. Another important aspect of visual thinking is the right environment that leads to creativity. Mackim describes it as“Relaxed attention”- Mental state when ideas occur spontaneously. Relaxed attention is often achieved through additional classes, such as meditation, breaks, physical relaxation, and nonlinear thinking, such as drawing doodles or dreams.

Next, I will share my vision of creativity with the help of additional lessons and present three of my best mental and physical professions. However, it is important to understand the complementary nature of our brain and how visual thinking often occurs as a result of various activities and practices.

Tips for implementing a order that supports creativity

Every time you feel stuck in work or overly critical of your designs or prototypes, think about strategies from the above that can help your creative process.

1. Find something that you sincerely like or what you always wanted to try and introduce it in small steps.
   This does not have to be a completely new hobby. For example, you can dance to your favorite music at home, stand on a balancing board or try something new once a month or quarter with friends, such as skating, skelelates or other activities. This year I plan to ski for the first time.
2. Constantly explore something new, even small.
   Go to work with different routes, cook new dishes or listen to unfamiliar music. Even if you don't like it, it is still valuable because your brain is enriched with this experience.
3. Meet new people.
   As I mentioned earlier, communication skills are important for designers, but in addition, new people can inspire you in an unexpected way. They can introduce you to a new sport, a hobby, or a lesson that you can even try together.

I shared examples of designers who resumed their creativity through classes such as tennis, music and language learning, and I feel the influence of this in my daily life when I try new things and hobbies. Whatever approach you choose, I guarantee that your brain will feel the difference and reward you with fresh ideas and inspiration.

Conclusion

Creativity can be developed in various ways, including viewing reference sites and rich practice - both of these aspects are important. In addition to these classic ways, you can doby an activity that not only promotes creativity but also improves your mental and physical health .

There are many opportunities to increase brain activity, and you can develop your own interesting and useful ways of spending time. In the end, an attempt will be created by new thoughts and will destroy monotony.

When you are experiencing virtual reality, reading poetry or literature, watching a movie, listening to a piece of music or moving your body to dance, and these are just some of many arts, you are biologically changing. There is a neurochemical exchange that can lead to what Aristotle calledcatharsis, or the release of emotions, which later leaves you more related to you and others.