All Known Idea
Generation Methods
Collection of creative exercises with a not-so creative name

One of the first things I try to express in my own creative consultancy is that absolutes are anathema to the creative process. It’s like the IBM executive who said there was only a worldwide market for three computers, or when Bill Gates said 640k would be enough for everyone, or 1899 patent commissioner who said that “everything that can be invented has been invented.”

Remember the James Bond movie “Never Say Never Again”? Its title was a nod to Sean Connery’s quote made years earlier that he would never again play the suave super spy.

A few years ago The Eagles reunited and took to the road for the “Hell Freezes Over Tour.” The tour name taken from an answer to an interview question about when the group might play together once more.

I suppose that’s why I’m a bit surprised to see any database of creative exercises labeled as ‘definitive’. Personal name preferences aside, Martin Leith’s All Known Idea Generation Methods IS a great collection of creative exercises. It extensively lists all familiar techniques, and most of the listings do have content associated with their titles. The database is still in process, and the author has posted a link inviting any omitted exercises, so the attempt is certainly wholehearted.

Although the list is lacking a few of my favorites from Paul Clegg’s Instant Creativity and David Straker’s Rapid Problem Solving with Post-It Notes, I still feel it’s an excellent source for finding many creative exercises in a single location. I’ll definitely be adding it to my personal collection of bookmarks.

One more thing…
Natalie Dee is a fun cartoonist and columnist here in Columbus, Ohio.
I visit her site every morning for a laugh. I absolutely had to share this recent cartoon from her site — “Dog ideas are never good ideas” — HA!