Eight principles of creativity
By Landor
It is hard to think of a human ability that has had a more profoundly positive effect on the world than creativity. This one human capacity has generated so much. It is individual and universal, intellectual as well as artful, born of inspiration and made with determination. Distinctly human but often misunderstood, creativity is fundamental to life. At Landor, it is our life’s work to constantly build our creative capabilities in service of our clients’ businesses. Here are some things we’ve learned along the way.1. Creativity is in everyone.
Forget titles, job descriptions, and hierarchy—creativity is not a skillset, it’s a mindset, an orientation that resists habitual thinking and invites courageous exploration. To be human is to be creative.
Richard Montañez had been a janitor in a California Frito-Lay plant for almost 20 years when he was inspired by a message from the company’s president to act like an owner. While eating a cup of corn spiced with cheese and chiles, he came up with an idea for a new flavor. He persuaded executives to give it a try, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos quickly became Frito-Lay’s top-selling snack
2. Creativity is paradoxical
The contradictions of creativity contribute to the mystery surrounding it. Creativity is intelligent, yet requires a willingness to ask questions and be open to possibilities. It is inspired by playfulness, but disciplined toward an end. Passionate but objective, energetic but reflective, individual as well as collaborative—these are just a few of creativity’s paradoxes.
The wayfinding system at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children uses playfulness to enhance its functionality. Each building and floor has been marked with a distinctive color and habitat from the natural world, stretching from the ocean (lower ground floor) to the skies (upper floor). The cheerful illustrations provide an easy guide for families to navigate the complicated hospital.
3. Creativity is constructive
Creativity is generative, productive, and open to many alternatives. But at its heart, it seeks to make a difference. Creativity values and celebrates imagination and mandates the practical application of its output.
Because a reported two million children under age five die from illnesses brought on by lack of proper hygiene, Global Handwashing Day was established to encourage hand washing with soap, which is proven to prevent disease and save lives. The program’s colorful figurines wordlessly and cheerfully communicate this message to children around the world, across multiple languages and cultures. Now, over 200 million people in 100 countries celebrate this day and this lifesaving behavior.
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Eight principles of creativity (Landor.com)