It might be a fairly obvious question. Or not.

Either way, I'm just interested in what you think.

The obvious bit is I think we'd all probably agree with the fact that environment does indeed have a massive impact on creative thinking. Even so, it's probably a worthwhile conversation to have. There is already a need in our organisations for creative thinking to keep us ahead, afloat, abreast etc. Personally, I believe there is a higher level of creative thinking required in organisations today than ever before and even more we should expect in the not too distant future.

So I'm really interested in what you think.

What are the impacts of environments? How do they help or hinder? How do we create and nurture creativity through environments? What do we do where creativity is blocked? How do we bust through challenges with creative thinking? Who does? And in all that, do we ever consider, I mean really consider, environment in relation to creative thinking? If we do, what do we consider?

I've a couple of examples that I'd like to chuck into the pot that I'll share with you over the coming weeks. But for now, I'm keen to leave that with you for your comments below.

What is the impact of environments on creative thinking?

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  • I was at Learning Technologies Summer Forum this week in the Facilitation Imaginarium with Julie Drybrough and Simon Heath. In a discussion I was part of one of the group was telling me about the barriers they'd found with creative thinking when it comes to the same old environment. Same old walls, chairs and tables - same old thinking.

    She was surprised with the upturn in creativity when they tried out their new 'innovation room' a space, with comfy lounge about seating, a space to jot down ideas on walls and nicely done up.

    I like this idea.

    Julie Drybrough (@fuchsia_blue) | Twitter
    The latest Tweets from Julie Drybrough (@fuchsia_blue). #Facilitator, exec #coach, #blogger, dialogue guide Working with people & orgs to improve con…
  • I think the physical environment does have a pretty strong impact on creativity...certainly my experience in working in a grey portacabin, up against a concrete wall in a car park!.....I have a creative job, but often found myself with a brain numbing frozen feeling...I noticed too that others in the same team were often really crabby with each other unless they had been out of this environment most of the day.  Creativity needs a bit of stimulus at any time of the day, could be a swift walk around the block rather than sitting hoping for inspiration perhaps?

    • Great point Nicola. Right, I'm off for a walk.
  • This reply was deleted.
    • That's really interesting Monika and I know working from home for me tends to be more productive but like you that time might not be 9-5 but later in the day and in to the evening.

      I'm wondering that as well as the environment we work in whether the hours we work has an EVEN bigger impact on our productivity / creativity?

      Lot's or organisations are offering more flexible working patterns now and you can request flexible hours. Wonder how many people request flexible hours to suit how they work best? 

      • Love the idea Monika of a table outside. Maybe not today looking at the state of it out there, but ordinarily when summer comes yeah definitely!

        Agree with you on times too Mike. I'm best at night. I always have been. More recently though, I've been finding a light of creativity happening first thing in the morning. It's probably where my head has been making sense of stuff whilst I sleep!

        I read something recently, can't remember where, about the crushing effects emails have on your creativity. Historically, I've done probably what most people do and sort through emails first thing in the morning. This article suggested though that if i need to be creative, I should do that first and then bother about emails. Over the past few weeks, I've tested this out, kept my email programme out of sight in favour of doing the creative thing first. My new email checking slot has become early afternoon rather than first thing in the morning. I've been surprised how much more creative I've been and how much more I seem to have created in that space where I used to be checking my emails.

        So I definitely think there is mileage in figuring out when our most creative times are as well as environments.

        • This reply was deleted.
          • I hear you loud and clear Monika. I'm certainly a night owl when it comes to creativity too. I think I'll always be that way.

            It's just that over the recent weeks, I've had some busy out of work time and although I do have the flexibility in hours that I work, I've just needed to keep work to during the day. That's forced me to really challenge myself on what holds me back creatively in those times where ordinarily I'm not at my best. It's been interesting to look real closely at why I'm not as creative at certain points in the day and what I could change to remove those barriers. 

            I'm really enjoying this discussion. It matters too. It's been said many times that creativity will be one of the most important skills for us so conversations like this I think are really valuable.

  • On the subject of the impact of environments on creative thinking, take a look at this example in Capital One's Nottingham office:

    http://www.reelmedia.co.uk/our-work/capital-one-going-agile/

  • Honestly - I tend to have break-through moments (problem solving) or creative ideas on things I'm working on, talks I'm doing or have been thinking about in the shower. 

    I'm not sure whether too many employers would install showers though - although there are other benefits of this - i.e. exercising at lunch time to get those creative juices flowing before coming back to work - the alternative is stinking the office out of course. 

    On a serious note environment is key in the creative process but MORE importantly are the people and culture around you that you work with and in. You could have the most creative office in the world but fill it with uninspiring, process driven people who can't think differently or aren't willing to take risks and you'll get what you've always got.

    Creative thinking leads to innovation so its of massive importance that environment AND people are in the right balance. This in turn influences and creates the culture we work in.

    Here are some offices that are a bit different to what the masses might be use to. Looking at the pictures you get a sense of what the culture may be like...

    Coolest offices in the world

    • I like the balloon room - good link about the different offices. I once worked in a place with a ping pong table, the incessant noice of the ball on bat slowly drove me insane, so you know, horses for courses lol

    • I've just got lost in some of those coolest offices in the world. They're really cool. 

      Totally agree with culture and people being important too. What's your thoughts on how to go about creating a culture that empowers and inspires creativity?

This reply was deleted.

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