Paper Clip Divergent Thinking Workshop

Introduction

Divergent thinking is a cognitive process that involves generating a wide variety of possible solutions or ideas to a problem. It is a critical component of creativity and innovation, as it encourages the exploration of multiple perspectives and unconventional approaches.

Divergent thinking is characterized by the ability to think beyond the boundaries of conventional thought, challenge assumptions, and create new connections between seemingly unrelated concepts.

Activity: Paperclip Exercise

We are required to have 20 ideas/thumbnail sketches of the alternative uses of a paper clip within 15 minutes. The activity were separated into 3 sessions, which we will have a total of 60 ideas/thumbnail sketches of the alternative uses of a paper clip.

First Session & Second Session

20 Ideas in 1st Session:

1. SIM Card Slot Pin

2. A tool that clears the holes of smartphones

3. A temporary awl

4. Ear Ring

5. Bracelet / Necklace

6. A mini-S-hook

7. A tool that help to relocate apparel/bag strings back in place

8. Thumbtack Pin

9. Mosquito Coil Holder

10. Palette Knife

11. Computer Pryer Tool

12. Lock Picker

13. Metal Wire

14. A tool that clears the stone stuck on the shoe outsole

15. Fish Hook

16. Button Lock

17. Hair Clip

18. Phone Stand

19. Molding Tool

20. Welding Metal

In this session, the ideas thrown out are considered as a "safe" option as considered the functionality where it can be found or applied in everyday life. At least from my personal experience of using a paper clip.

20 Ideas in 2nd Session:

1. Medical Tweezer

2. Tile Spacers

3. Retro Spectacle

4. Ring

5. Golden Headband

6. Rake

7. Pillar

8. Chain

9. A Physic Related Model (e.g. Hyperboloid, Nova Plexus Puzzle)

10. Table of Chemistry in paper clip format

11. Bottle Opener

12. Barricade

13. Building Model

14. Plaster

15. iPhone MagSafe Shape

16. An art sculpture

17. Weapon

18. AirBnB Logo

19. Compressor

20. Memory Pillow

In this session, the ideas thrown out are a mixture of functionality and imaginary item from the usage of a paper clip. From here, the paper clip could be anything but the majority of the ideas where still focusing on the functionality.

Third Session

20 Ideas in 3rd Session:

1. "Paper Clip Bag" (Sand Bag)

2. Mattress / Pillow

3. A format of mind mapping (Ref. Plot Structure)

4. Chair

5. Hinge

6. Wrench / Screwdriver

7. A Protective Vest

8. An art installation

9. Wind Chime

10. "Paper Clip Chaser" (Dream Chaser)

11. Cultural Voodoo Doll

12. A Heresy Symbol

13. "Paper Clip Ball" (Stainless Steel Ball)

14. Fashion Tote Bag

15. Wedding cue number stand

16. Trophy

17. High Jump Pole

18. Mic Stand

19. Curtain Wire Hook

20. Pet Comb

21. Illustration Eye Emotion

22. Illustration Face Expression

23. Antenna

24. "Paper Clip Structure" (Honeycomb Structure)

In this session, the ideas thrown out are a mixture of functionality and imaginary item from the usage of a paper clip. From here, I expanded the usage of a paper clip could be but the majority of the ideas are imaginary.

Reflection

I felt divergent thinking is a great thinking process that forces to think out of the box, think beyond the original functionality of a certain object and implement all the imaginary ideation or element in it. From the divergent thinking brainstorming session, we able to filter through possible ideations and work from it.