Creativity & Inventive Problem Solving
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AND SUDDENLY THE INVENTOR APPEARED
TRIZ, The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
CONCEPTUAL BLOCKBUSTING
A Guide To Better Ideas
CREATIVE PROCESS, THE
CREATIVE WHACK PACK
Card Pack
DE BONO'S THINKING COURSE
JUMP START YOUR BRAIN
A Proven Method For Improving Creativity Up To 500%
KICK IN THE SEAT OF THE PANTS, A
Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, & Warrior
To Be More Creative
LATERAL THINKING
Creativity Step By Step
MINING GROUP GOLD
How To Cash In On The Collaborative Brain Power Of A Group
WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, A
How You Can Be More Creative___________________
AND SUDDENLY THE INVENTOR APPEARED
TRIZ, The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
(previous edition was entitled "The Art Of Inventing"
* By: Henry Altshuller (H. Altov)
* Translated by Lev Shulyak
* Publisher: Technical Innovation Center
* Copyright: 1996, 1992
* Quality Paperback, 186 pages, 6 x 9
* $40.00 Catalog# 4028
Henry Altshuller (H. Altov) is President of the Inventor's Association
of Russia. He is author of several other titles on inventing and
creativity that have been published in the former Soviet Union. This
work was translated and adapted by Lev Shulyak, an inventor with many
patents who is a native of Russia and has lived in the United States
for many years.
In this book the reader can work through 78 real problems that have
a range of difficulty. An invention is needed in each. In the process
of solving the problems the reader learns to apply 27 practical
thinking tools and techniques. Answers to the problems are provided in
the appendix, along with a summary of the Inventive Problem Solving
Theory.
Annotation from the publisher...
"The Art of Inventing is the first practical book on the innovative
approach to the process of inventing and solving technical problems
published in the United States on the subject of technical creativity.
The author shows that the process of solving technical problems, while
easily learned by anyone, can be an important tool on the job--and
also be a lot of fun. In a humorous manner and layman's terms the
author presents basic elements of the Inventive Problem Solving
Theory. TRIZ is the Russian abbreviation.
The theory was developed by the author in the former Soviet Union,
and during the last 40 years has evolved into the Science of Technical
Creativity. It is being taught in more then 300 schools and learning
institutions to people of various ages and backgrounds abroad. Now, it
is finally available in the USA. Today Wayne State University in
Detroit is the first American institution to offer courses in
Technical Creativity using Altshuller's methodology."
Some excerpts from the book...
~ "We live in an Era of Technical Revolution. The main point is that
this revolution lies not in the appearance of new machines, they have
appeared before. The method of developing new machines is changing. An
organized way of thinking replaces the old chaotic one. Every step in
the thinking process should be as accurate as the movements of a pilot
flying an airplane."
~ "So far we have talked about simple physical effects that everybody
in school knows. However, there is a more complicated physics, the
physics that college students learn. The knowledge of this physics
give an inventor more powerful tools. ... This time, we will study a
problem that requires only the knowledge of elementary physics. Later
I will explain what we can achieve if we use just a little physics
from college. ... Problem #32: Ice On The Electric Power Lines ..."
What others say...
~ Students who did not dare to tackle even simple problems in the
beginning of our course on Creative Problem Solving in design and
manufacturing are able to solve difficult problems at the end. It is
very unfortunate that Altshuller's Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
was not known in the US until recently. The book gives an excellent
introduction to this fascinating technology."
--Eugene Rivin
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Wayne State University
~ "This book is a real eye opener--especially for the people who are
not familiar with the theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). In a
very popular form, Henry Altshuller presents the essence of a very
powerful technique that allows anyone to innovate on demand. I
recommend this book to everyone who wants to be successful in their
career."
--Emanuel Rozental,
Engineering Manager
Technical Instrument Company
Many illustrations are included in this text. ~
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_________________CONCEPTUAL BLOCKBUSTING
A Guide To Better Ideas
* By: James L. Adams
* Publisher: Addison- Wesley
* Copyright: 1986, 79, 76, 74
* Quality Paperback, 172 pages, 6 x 9
* $12.00 Catalog# 0894
James L. Adams is chairman of the Values, Technology, Science, and
Society Department at Stanford University, as well as, a teacher,
engineer, lecturer, and consultant in the field of creativity.
This popular book helps the reader think about thinking. In particular
the various kinds of anti-creative mental "blocks" are examined: ~
perceptual blocks ~ emotional blocks ~ cultural and environmental
blocks ~ intellectual and expressive blocks. The author explains that
we all have these limited ways of thinking but we also have the ability
to consciously modify our problem solving habits.
Also discussed are the different "thinking languages" that our minds
can and do use in differing degrees: ~ verbal ~ mathematical ~ visual
~ and other sensory languages. In addition to being aware of our mental
blocks and becoming more fluent in the thinking languages we can enhance
our problem solving ability by utilizing a variety of
techniques--"blockbusters." The author describes and presents many or
these methods and points the way to many other methodologies and
philosophies that can be explored further on one's own.
The final chapter of this book deals with the special problems and
advantages that are possible when groups and organizations are involved
in creative pursuits. Also included: reader's guide, index. ~
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_________________CREATIVE PROCESS, THE
* By: Brewster Ghiselin, (ed.)
* Publisher: University Of California Press
* Copyright: 1952
* Quality Paperback, 251 pages, 4 x 7
* $19.95 Catalog# 4539
Brewster Ghiselin, editor, is a poet, critic, and Professor of English
at the University of Utah.
In this fascinating collection of letters and other writings 38 of the
world's outstanding men and women convey in their own words how they
actually begin and complete creative work in such fields as art,
literature, and science.
Included are the writings of: Einstein, Mozart, van Gogh, Jung, Mary
Wigman, and others. ~
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_________________CREATIVE WHACK PACK
Card Pack
* By: Roger von Oech
* Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
* Copyright: 1988
* Card Pack, 3 x 4 1/2
* $16.00 Catalog# 3589
Roger von Oech is the author of the book, A Whack On The Side Of The
Head. And he is founder and president of Creative Think, a consulting
firm specializing in creativity and innovation.
The Creative Whack Pack is a creativity tool, based on the idea that
sometimes you need a figurative "whack on the side of the head" to jolt
you out of habitual thought patterns that prevent looking at things in a
fresh way.
This thick pack consists of 64 cards, each bearing a different
creativity technique or strategy. Some highlight places to find new
information. Some provide techniques to generate new ideas. Some lend
decision-making advice. And some give you the "kick" you need to get
your ideas into action. Divided into four sixteen-card
"suits"--Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior, the cards represent the
roles (or types of thinking) in the creative process.
You can use the cards any way you like, of course. But the instruction
sheet suggests eight possible ways to use this "creative workshop in a
box." One person or a group of people can use the pack--for example, as
part of a business meeting or an inventor's "brain storming" session.
On one side of each card there is a unique, light hearted, and
well-drawn illustration that symbolizes a creativity strategy. A short
title summarizes the idea above each illustration, And below, there is a
brief paragraph that contains comments, quotes, or suggestions, etc.
regarding that particular concept--followed by a thought provoking
question. ~
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_________________DE BONO'S THINKING COURSE
* By: Edward de Bono
* Publisher: Facts On File
* Copyright: 1982, 85
* Quality Paperback, 192 pages, 6 x 9
* $12.95 Catalog# 8952
Edward de Bono has been involved in the research and development of
thinking patterns and skills for more than 30 years. A former Rhodes
scholar, he has held faculty positions at Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard
universities. The author of numerous articles and 27 books, Dr. de
Bono's expertise has been sought by major corporations and leaders in
government and education the world over.
Written by the man many consider to be the world's leading instructor
of thinking, this book outlines the tools and techniques of good
thinking in a practical, easy-to-follow manner and shows how to use
them. This book is also published in the United Kingdom by the BBC to
accompany the television series "de Bono's Thinking Course."
Included are 40 illustrations, information on how to set up a
"thinking club," references and index. ~
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_________________JUMP START YOUR BRAIN
A Proven Method For Improving Creativity Up To 500%
* By: Doug Hall
* Publisher: Warner Books
* Copyright: 1995
* Quality Paperback
* 12.99 Catalog# 1037
Doug Hall is an inventor, consultant and former "Master Marketing
Inventor" at Proctor & Gamble.
Jump Start Your Brain offers practical, tactical advice to fully
utilize the brain's potential--and increases your ability to think,
invent and market new ideas. Using a unique approach that challenges
conventional wisdom, Hall offers a key to gaining an edge in business.
A more complete description of this book will be available soon!
(A hardcover edition is available for $22.95 -- catalog# 7178) ~
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_________________KICK IN THE SEAT OF THE PANTS, A
Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, & Warrior To Be More Creative
* By: Roger von Oech
* Publisher: Harper & Row
* Copyright: 1986
* Quality Paperback, 163 pages, 7 1/2 x 10 1/2
* $16.00 Catalog# 0248
Roger von Oech is president of Creative Think, a consulting firm that
stimulates creativity and innovation in business. Clients include IBM,
NASA, DuPont, NBC, and Xerox.
As a follow-up to A Whack On The Side Of The Head, von Oech divides
this book into four main sections. The sections are analogies of four
main steps in the creative process...
~ The Explorer is the role a person takes when searching for new
information.
~ The Artist role involves turning resources into new ideas.
~ The Judge is the evaluation stage.
~ The Warrior is the step that involves putting an idea into action.
Many suggestions, stories, and exercises for enhancing the
effectiveness of each role are provided--and more. A Kick In The Seat Of
The Pants is creatively illustrated by George Willet. ~
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_________________LATERAL THINKING
Creativity Step By Step
* By: Edward de Bono
* Publisher: Harper & Row
* Copyright: 1970
* Quality Paperback, 300 pages, 5 1/2 x 8
* $15.00 Catalog# 3252
Edward de Bono has been involved in the research and development of
thinking patterns and skills for more than 30 years. A former Rhodes
scholar, he has held faculty positions at Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard
universities. The author of numerous articles and 27 books, Dr. de
Bono's expertise has been sought by major corporations and leaders in
government and education the world over.
"Lateral thinking" refers to a way of thinking that produces more
creative results than our usual "vertical thinking." According to de
Bono, vertical thinking is a logic process that is very necessary and
useful, but, when we wish to be creative and generate idea after idea,
we are much better served by lateral thinking.
Lateral thinking, de Bono contends, is a natural process that some
people tend to use much more than others. He has analyzed this process
and shows how to develop and use it in a deliberate manner. This book is
meant to be a practical and useful hand book. It can be used by the
individual reader or by a teacher for the sake of the students. Lots of
examples and practice sessions are presented. Illustrated. ~
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_________________MINING GROUP GOLD
How To Cash In On The Collaborative Brain Power Of A Group
* By: Thomas A. Kayser
* Publisher: Irwin
* Copyright: 1990, 1995
* Hard Cover, 268 pages, 6 x 9
* $24.95 Catalog# 4294
Thomas A. Kayser is manager for Xerox Corporation, designing and
facilitating team-building workshops, problem-solving sessions,
improvement meetings, and executive meetings.
This handbook is about the art of managing people and ideas to achieve
high level results. It is actually the revised version of a manual
developed for Xerox Corporation's managers and employees. The philosophy
and techniques outlined in this manual contributed to the major cultural
shift within the corporation--from "top down," centralized, autocratic
decision making and problem solving to decentralized, disciplined, and
collaborative approaches.
This book can be helpful to any size or kind of group that is
concerned with accomplishing tasks and willing to involve the
individuals of the group to reach solutions. These practical and proven
methods emphasize teamwork and the building of consensus through careful
planning and facilitation of the group process.
This book covers...
~ Planning The Structure Of A Session
~ Alternatives For Opening A Meeting
~ Getting People Involved
~ Sharing And Processing Information
~ Ways To Make The Close Of A Session More Powerful
~ Maintaining A Cooperative Climate
~ How To Constructively Deal With Strong Feelings
~ How To Manage Group Disruptions And Confusion, and much more.
~ The Use Of Flip Charts, Planning, Evaluation, And Other Worksheets
Many examples are provided along with references. ~
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_________________WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, A
How You Can Be More Creative
* By: Roger von Oech
* Publisher: Warner Books
* Copyright: 1990, 1983
* Quality Paperback, 201 pages, 6 x 9
* $16.00 Catalog# 1581
Roger von Oech is president of a consulting firm that stimulates
innovation in business--clients have been IBM, NASA, DuPont, Xerox, etc.
He is author of the companion volume, A Kick In The Seat Of The Pants.
Fully illustrated and filled with provocative puzzles, anecdotes,
exercises, metaphors, cartoons, questions, quotations, stories, and
tips, this book systematically breaks through mental blocks and unlocks
the mind for creative thinking. Revised and expanded for the 1990's. ~
