STEM STEAM Synergy

STEM STEAM Synergy

As we enter the second half of the second decade of the 21st century, there remains an alarming shortfall of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. Most experts agree the United States alone will need nearly 2

Monet, Light and Creativity

Monet, Light and Creativity

I was literally immersed in the light of Claude Monet’s creativity when I visited the Musée de l’Orangerie in the Tuileries Garden during a recent trip to Paris. The museum devotes two large oval-shaped rooms to Monet’s study of nymphéas.

Potential for Creativity and Innovation, part 2

Potential for Creativity and Innovation, part 2

Last week I wrote about an extraordinary commencement speech given by Meghan Musnicki at Ithaca College. Musnicki issued four challenges to the new college graduates: set goals but be willing to change them, experience failure and learn, practice gratitude, and

Potential for creativity and innovation

Potential for creativity and innovation

We have entered the days of college graduation — of erudite speeches given by those we deem to be successful in life. And I have come to realize the best speeches are not those that outline outward achievements of life,

Boredom and Creativity

Boredom and Creativity

When is the last time you were bored? And, what did you do about it? Day dream? Leisurely observe the world? Or, like most of us, fill your time with a structured activity? Recent studies on boredom and creativity suggest that boredom can

Photograph tells secret

Photograph tells secret

A photograph is a secret about a secret.  The more it tells you the less you know.                            — Diane Arbus Sometimes a pain is so deep that

Unpacking Design Thinking:  Ideate

Unpacking Design Thinking: Ideate

Ideate is the space in design thinking where individuals and teams elevate and celebrate the power of possibility.  It is the transition from identifying a particular question or problem to generating a wide variety of potential answers and solutions. It’s

Visual Thinking with Mind Mapping

Visual Thinking with Mind Mapping

Visual thinking can sometimes be better than words when brainstorming, asking questions and connecting ideas previously thought to be unconnectable. And mind mapping makes visual thinking come alive.  The old saying, “a photo is worth a thousand words” is certainly