HEIP 144 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Divergent Thinking

• School: University of Maryland
• Department: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Course: HEIP 144
• Professor: Jay Smith

Document Summary

Designs asked of engineers often have multiple solutions or conflicting goals. Divergent thinking explores different directions from an initial problem to general many possible ideas. Can identify a wide range of potential solutions. Elements of presence and curiosity are part of mindfulness. During brainstorming, people defer judgement and are curious. Ambiguity can be navigated by being present in the moment. Ultimately reaches a mode of acceptance while prototyping. Study 1: impact of 15 minutes mindfulness meditation on divergent thinking in 92 engineering students. Students who report higher baseline mindfulness perform better on divergent thinking tasks. Just 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation can improve originality of ideas. Study 2: survey results form 1400 engineering students to assess relationship between mindfulness and innovation. Meditation improved originality of ideas but did not affect number of ideas. Open and curious attitude is a beginners mind . Capacity to bring fresh eyes and engage in new perspectives for solutions.