More often than not, the common phrase “thinking outside the box” is used to encourage people during brainstorming sessions to come up with ideas that are new and unconventional. But I rarely find it to be useful when trying to solve a problem. It’s difficult to come up with ideas when you’re not aware of what “box” you’re dealing with. It’s not a practical approach to try finding something that’s completely original from the start. You wouldn’t dive into the water without dipping your toes to get a feel for the temperature. Likewise, in the creative process, it’s important to understand the context. Awareness of existing knowledge and insights will give you a better foundation to start exploring more unconventional ideas. The brain needs to be warmed up so it doesn’t get stuck.
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