Chapter Overview

Concept and composition are equally important aspects of art and design.
Designers usually solve problems presented by clients. Artists usually invent aesthetic problems for themselves. Both explore many alternatives before achieving the desired result.
Ideas come from many sources, including common objects, nature, mythology, or history.
Good problems are significant, socially responsible, comprehensible, achievable, and authentic. They provide basic parameters without inhibiting exploration.
Convergent thinking is highly linear. The word prose can help you remember the steps.
Divergent thinking is nonlinear and more open-ended. It is less predictable and may lead to a creative breakthrough.
Any idea can be expanded or enriched using brainstorming. List-making, using a thesaurus, mapping, and creating connections are common strategies.
Visual and verbal research can provide the background information needed to create a truly inventive solution.
Pursuing an idea through variations on a theme, metaphorical thinking, or interdisciplinary connections can help you realize its full potential.

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