Want to be more creative? Go for a walk | Marily Oppezzo

The Creative Process and Brainstorming

This section discusses the creative process and focuses on the brainstorming phase.

The Creative Process

• The creative process is iterative, involving refinement and takes time.

• It is not expected to come up with a masterpiece instantly.

• This study focuses on the first part of the creative process, which is brainstorming for new ideas.

Studies on Brainstorming

• Four studies were conducted with different groups of people, some walking indoors and others outdoors.

• All studies reached the same conclusion, but only one study will be discussed in detail.

Alternate Uses Test

• The alternate uses test was used to measure creativity.

• Participants had four minutes to generate as many alternative uses for common objects as possible.

• Creativity was defined as "appropriate novelty," where ideas had to be realistic and novel (not previously mentioned by others).

Examples of Creative Ideas

• One participant suggested using a key to carve the name of a murderer into the ground with their dying words.

• Walking on a treadmill did not hinder creativity; participants generated more creative ideas while walking compared to sitting.

Effects of Walking on Creativity

This section explores how walking affects creativity based on experimental results.

Experimental Setup

• Three groups were tested:

• Group 1: Sat for both tests

• Group 2: Sat for the first test and walked on a treadmill for the second test

• Group 3: Walked on a treadmill first and then sat for the second test

Results

• Groups that walked on a treadmill performed significantly better in generating creative ideas compared to those who only sat.

• Even after walking, participants still exhibited increased creativity when they returned to sitting.

Tips for Boosting Creativity through Walking

This section provides practical tips for maximizing the creative benefits of walking.

Tips for Walking and Brainstorming

• Choose a specific problem or topic to brainstorm while walking.

• Running is not recommended as it may require too much attention, but a comfortable pace is acceptable.

• Generate as many ideas as possible, avoiding fixation on the first idea.

• Instead of writing down ideas, speak them into a recording device to avoid filtering prematurely.

• Don't walk indefinitely; if ideas are not flowing, come back to it later at another time.

Conclusion

Walking can enhance creativity during the brainstorming phase of the creative process. By incorporating these tips and taking a walk before important meetings or brainstorming sessions, individuals can tap into their creative potential and generate more innovative ideas.