When it comes to creative thinking, it can sometimes be difficult to put ideas into words and turn them into tangible creative projects. For each idea, you need to be able to think through ways to implement it, turning the process into a step-by-step plan. However, an overly practical approach can “stifle” the impulse of creativity in the bud. How do you stick to the middle ground and find a balance between the two extremes? A well-known person will help us with this today. He was so good at combining creative and practical approaches that he managed to create a legendary billion-dollar empire. So, meet Walt Disney!
A genius in everything
The first thing that comes to mind when many people hear the name Disney is the well-known mouse Mickey and other funny characters from his cartoons who have brought joy and pleasure to more than one generation of children.
Disney is rightfully considered a genius, not only creative, but also businesslike. If you look closely at his journey, you can see that the animator's tremendous success was largely due to his special approach to bringing his ideas to life. Interestingly, researchers have carefully studied Disney's strategy he used to do business, and one of them even gave it a name. Disney's Creative Strategy was originally formulated by Robert Dilts, an expert in neurolinguistic programming: the scientist scrupulously studied how Disney turned dreams into reality and described his method in his book published in 1995.
What strategy did Disney use?
Disney's creative method is a tool for brainstorming and developing ideas. It involves the use of three consecutive roles or thought processes: Dreamer, Realist, and Critic. As you analyze your idea, you take turns trying on each of the roles mentioned above to look at it from different angles.
What does each role consist of?
The Dreamer
This is the first stage of creating an idea, where you brainstorm and freely express or record any associations and anything that comes to mind. The key word here is: FREE. Right now, your imagination is sitting on the royal throne.
Realist
The second stage of working on an idea is when it's time to decide which ideas you've come up with are realistic and practical. Here it is important to answer the question: what efforts will have to be made to bring the idea to life?
Critic
At the third stage, you need to think through the plan and consider every detail more critically.
How to use the tool step by step
Step 1: Creating a creative space
Make sure that no one bothers you, and also give yourself enough time to take your time off.
Step 2: Become a Dreamer
It doesn't matter if you come up with an idea alone or as a team, let yourself dream freely! Forget about deadlines, budgets, and restrictions. Let your imagination fly!
Step 3: Becoming a Realist
Adjust ready-made ideas to make them more specific, evaluate them and plan a work schedule.
Step 4: Transform into Criticism
Skeptically review the plan you've written and don't be afraid to “nitpick” every point. Your goal is to criticize and improve your plan until it is perfect.
Thus, it is important to consistently assume each role in order to create a truly creative, innovative, necessary and thoughtful product.
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