FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

BFC23702 CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

- PROF EUR ING Ir Ts DR SHAHIRON SHAHIDAN-

 CHAPTER 1:
Introduction to Creativity and Innovation
Topics: (2 hours lecture)
1.1 Definition and Concept of Creativity
1.1.1 Divergent Thinking
1.1.2 Convergent Thinking
1.1.3 Divergent vs Convergent Thinking
1.2 Definition and Concept of Innovation
1.3 Definition and Concept of Technopreneurship
1.4 The Need for Creativity and Innovation
1.5 The Need for Technopreneurship
1.6 Stimulants to Creativity
1.7 Obstacles to Creativity
 1.1 Definition & Concept of Creativity

WHAT IS CREATIVITY ?

Creativity is a phenomenon whereby something new and

somehow valuable is formed. The created item may be
intangible (such as an idea, a scientific theory, a musical
composition or a joke).
 CREATIVITY FROM OTHER SCHOLAR
PERSPECTIVES

(Edward De Bono, (Kerr, 2023)

(Ababneh, 2020).
1992).
Creativity is ability
to make something
Creativity is a Creativity involve new whether a new
process that can the production of solution to a
be developed and novel and useful problem, a new
improved ideas or problem device, or a new
solutions artistic object or
form.
 To view things in
different way
Think differently……

To develop To find imaginative

ideas solutions to problems

Think differently…… Think differently……

 Someone thought differently about expanding the orange market .…

Tropicana
Orange Berocca
Tuscan Blood
Refreshing orange Orange Perfume Effervescent
juice that are multivitamins with
bright and sweet A fruity and sweet orange flavor boost
flavour scent that is energy throughout the
therapeutic and entire day
soothing for some
 CHARACTERISTICS OF CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS

Sensitive to Independent Reasonable

problem thinking level of Imagination
intelligence

Receptive/ Get to the

Risk taker
positive/ flexible heart of
problems
 CREATIVITY:
left brain vs right brain
 LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

Practical Uses logic Facts rule Math and

Detail oriented Science

Words and
Present and past language Knowing

Order/ pattern
Acknowledges Safe
perception

Can
Knows object comprehend
Reality based
name
 RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

Big picture Imagination rules Risk tasking Impetuous

Uses feeling
oriented

Symbols and Present and Philosophy &

images future religion

Can “get it” Appreciates

Believes
Ex: meaning

Spatial Knows object Fantasy based

perception function
 THE PRINCIPLES OF
CREATIVITY

EXPERTISE:
• Technical,
procedural and
intellectual
MOTIVATION:
knowledge.
• Intrinsic motivation
(an inner passion) to
solve the problem
which is influenced
by the work CREATIVE
environment. THINKING SKILLS:
• How flexibility and
imagitively people
approach
problem.
 1.1.1 Divergent Thinking

Definition of Divergent Thinking

Typically occurs in
A thought process a spontaneous,
or method used to free-flowing,
generate creative 'non-linear'
ideas by exploring manner, such that
many possible many ideas are
solutions generated in an
emergent cognitive
fashion
 Technique To Stimulate Divergent Thinking
4 3 2 1
a. Involves generating a a. Effective way to a. Write down whatever a. Involves putting
list of ideas in a creative, record ideas that one comes to mind about brainstormed ideas in the form
unstructured manner. thinks of spontaneously the topic, without of a visual map or picture that
stopping to proofread or that shows the relationships
b. Generate as many b. Can create a among these ideas
ideas as possible in a revise the writing.
collection of thoughts
short period of time. on various subjects b. Generate a variety of b. A topic may have 4
that later become a thoughts about a topic subtopics, and each of those 4
c. Key subtopics may have 2 subtopics
source book of ideas in a short period of time
tool"piggybacking" of the subtopic
*Note: This includes both
divergent and convergent
Keeping a journal thinking

03 Free writing

04
BRAINSTORMING 02
Mind mapping
01
 Guidelines for Divergent Thinking

D DEFER
JUDGEMENT
Deferring judgment isn’t the same as having no
judgment. It just says “hold off for a while”.
Avoid judging ideas as either bad or good in the
divergent-thinking phase

G GO FOR
QUANTITY Take the time necessary and use the tools in this guide
to generate a long list of potential options

Stretch to create wild ideas. While these may not work

S
SEEK WILD
directly, getting way outside the box allows the space to
IDEAS
discover extraordinary ideas

Use one idea as a springboard for another. Build, combine,

C COMBINE
AND BUILD
and improve ideas
 Curiosity
Complexity Elaboration

ELEMENTS OF Risk-taking
Flexibility DIVERGENT THINKING

Originality
Fluency
Imagination
COMPLEXITY FLEXIBILITY FLUENCY IMAGINATION
The capability of creating The skill of engendering The capability of
The capacity to
varied perceptions or many ideas so as to have dreaming up,
conceptualize
categories wherefrom an increase in the inventing, or to
difficult,
come a range of different number of potential think, to see, to
multifaceted, many
ideas pertaining to the solutions or associated conceptualize novel
layered or intricate
same thing or problem products products or ideas, to
products or ideas
be original

ORIGINALITY RISK TASKING ELABORATION CURIOSITY

The skill of coming up The readiness to be The personality
with fresh, unusual, courageous, daring, The skill of adding to, characteristic of
unique, extremely adventuresome – take building off of or displaying probing
different or completely risks or experiment embellishing a product behaviors, searching,
new products or ideas with new things so as or an idea asking questions,
to stand apart learning to get more
knowledge/information
about something, and of
being able to go deeper
into ideas
 Divergent thinking skills, challenge
your imagination

UNDERSTANDING
EXAMPLE:
DIVERGENT What can you do with a pencil? A
THINKING .... stick? A duster?
 Enhance Generate

Explore
Visualize
Fantacize
Combine
Imagine

Go big an
d Play with
wide

DIVERGENT WORDS....
 FORCED
CONNECTION

SIX
BRAINSTOR
THINKING
MING
HATS

DIVERGENT
THINKING
TOOLS

LATERAL
SCAMPER
THINKING

MIND
MAPPING
1.1.2 DEFINITION OF CONVERGENT THINKING

Consider all available

information and arrive at the
single best possible answer

Applying logic and knowledge

to solve problems, achieve
objectives or to make a decisions
 Strong emphasis on speed,
accuracy, and logic
Accumulate knowledge that can be
applied in future situations

Problem is located at the “centre”

Ability to apply rules to arrive at a
Focus and then gather the solution
single ‘correct’ solution to a
based on the problem
problem such as the answer to an
The resources “ converge” on the IQ test problem. This process is
problem systematic and linear
WHERE TO BEGIN ?

1. CLUSTER

2. REFINE

3. SELECT

4. FOCUS

5. CLARIFY

CONVERGENT WORDS
 Convergent Thinking Tools

Cost Benefit
Evaluation Matrix Analysis

Modelling Prioritisation

Paired Comparison Pilot Test

Analysis

SWOT Poka Yoke

 1.1.3 Divergent and Convergent

Divergent Thinking... Convergent Thinking...

1st step in the creative process 2nd step in 2-step process

Generating ideas Narrow ideas
Fluency, originality, elaboration Evaluates ideas
Includes brainstorming Using logic
Intrinsic Critical thinking
Right brain involvement Left brain involvement

Example: Example:
Brainstorm ideas Narrow down the ideas by
without judgement. logic and critical thinking.
Imagine multiple things Plan the project and
and designs. Do not let preservere at making the
external forces impede creation. Communicate
results.
 FAN, EXPLORE, FOCUS
Spend some time ‘in between’ fanning and focussing –
exploring what you are finding out

Seeking as many options as Teasing out Selecting & refining the

possible possibilities option(s) to implement

FAN EXPLORE FOCUS

Divergent Emergent Convergent

Thinking Thinking Thinking
 FAN & FOCUS ISSUES

Preconceived ideas / Ignoring/overlooking possibilities

Lack of creativity

Short-changing one phase

 INTERALATION
Divergent and Convergent are interrelated

Convergent Divergent Emergent

Analytical Creative Our Thinking

Thinking Thinking
 Tools and Techniques

Fan Explore Focus

(Divergent) (Explore) (Convergent)

• Brainstorm • 5 whys • Cost-benefit

• Daydream • 6 thinking hats analysis
• ‘Tinker’ • Stakeholder analysis • Prioritisation
• Imagine • Risk analysis • Modelling
• Provocative questions • SWOT analysis • Pilot test
• Gap analysis • Mind-mapping • Flowcharting
• Case studies (seeing • Force field analysis • Tasking/ delegation
what others did) • Forced analogy
 Comparison

vs
Divergent Thinking Convergent Thinking
Risky Safe
Focusing on shifting perspectives Protect and preserve past knowledge
Production of large volume of ideas Focusing on discovering one correct
answer
Combining dissimilar ideas Combining similar ideas
Unconventional Focusing on accuracy
Discovering new possibilities Build on traditional activities
Wide range of past experiences Narrow range of options
 1.2 Definition & Concept of Innovation

WHAT IS INNOVATION ?

Innovation is the implementation of a new or significantly

improved product, service or process that creates value
for business, government or society.
 INNOVATION FROM OTHER SCHOLAR
PERSPECTIVES

(Howell & Higgins, (Baskaran & Mehta, (McKinsey, 2022)

1990) 2016)
Innovation is the
Innovation is the
systematic practice
The process by which process of producing
of developing and
entrepreneurs convert and combining ideas
marketing
opportunities into to solve future problems
breakthrough
marketable ideas. by connecting existing
products and
accomplishments with
services for adoption
past experiences
by customers.
 FORMS OF INNOVATION (CON’T)

1 Radical Innovation

• Radical Innovation is an invention that destroys or supplants an

existing business model.
• It blows up the existing system/ process and replace it with
something that is entirely new
• Example of radical innovation:

Development of Internet- Revolutionized the way we communicate and access information.

 FORMS OF INNOVATION (CON’T)

2 Incremental Innovation

• Incremental Innovation refers to a series of small improvements

made to a company’s existing products or services.
• Example of incremental innovation:

Model: Xs Max Model: 15 Pro Max

September 2018 September 2023

Focused on improving an existing product's development efficiency, productivity and competitive

differentiation
 TYPES OF INNOVATION

•Product •Business Model

Innovation involves Innovation involves
the introduction of a new changing the way
good or service that is new business is done in terms
or substantially improved. 1 3 of capturing value e.g. HP
This might include vs. Dell, hub and spoke
improvements in functional airlines vs. Southwest
characteristics, technical
abilities, ease of use, or
any other dimension. 2

•Process
•Service Innovation
Innovation is similar 4 involves the
to product innovation implementation of a new
except that the innovation or significantly
relates to services rather improved production
than to products or delivery method.
 EXAMPLE types of Innovation - Product Innovation

Digital watch Smart watch

Innovations in smartwatch technology explains how connectivity and convenience are being fit into smaller
packages. Ability to perform life-altering functions like detecting abnormal heartbeats, calling for assistance in
the case of an emergency, smart navigation for easier journey make it difference from the digital watch
 EXAMPLE types of Innovation - Business Model Innovation

Netflix DVD rental Netflix online streaming platform

Netflix transformed from a DVD rental into an online streaming platform. This means
that customers no longer had to wait for their DVD to be delivered, as they were now
able to watch Netflix content through its online streaming platform using smartphones or
computer.
 EXAMPLE types of Innovation - Service Innovation

Physical bank counter service

Online banking service

Banking Industry

Allowing a customer access to full banking services in real time. The goal of retail banking innovation is to
improve the customer experience and make banking more convenient, efficient, and secure for consumer
 EXAMPLE types of Innovation - Process Innovation

Ford Ranger 2023

Henry Ford – the Father of Process Innovation

Henry Ford created the assembly line method which disrupted the established, individually hand-built
method of the day. Ford further innovated the assembly line by timing the process so it had a logical flow.
Employees performed one operation all day and became experts at their operation. This process change not
only simplified vehicle assembly but shortened the time necessary to produce single vehicle from 12 hours
to 90 minutes.
INNOVATION STRATEGIES
Give opportunities to
employees

Information from outside

the organization

Financial backing
to innovation

Skillful recruitment
policy

Employees should be
rewarded

Target being set for

innovation
 CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Creativity is the process of generating unique and

useful ideas.

Innovation will take place when there is a creative idea

generation.

Innovation is about taking the creative/unique new idea

and turning it into something of value

Innovation requires discipline and action to evaluate

the ideas, test them, modify them and then apply them.
It is through there disciplined and actions that turn an
idea into something of value.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

CREATIVITY INNOVATION

• Imagination
• Process
• Generating
VS • Implementation
• Product
• Developing
• Novelty • Usefulness
• Soft • Hard
 EXAMPLE OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

CREATIVITY INNOVATION

VS

Most of the time, having QR code payment is a form of

credit cards is easier and mobile commerce that enables
safer than cash in person. users to scan a code with their
Even though the concept for smartphone camera and pay for
this card is quite creative, products or services without using
can it be transformed into cash or credit cards. That's how
Innovation? creativity turns into innovation.
 APPLICATION OF WOOL IN CIVIL ENGINEERING- Sheep Wool

• Application of sheep
wool in cement- based
composites is fibre
reinforcement.

• Fibrous material was

used in cement matrix
composites in both
mortar and concrete. Example of Sheep wool used in
cement-based composites.
APPLICATION OF WOOL IN CIVIL ENGINEERING- Sheep Wool

Thermal insulation:

• Sheep wool fibers are naturally

crimped, which traps air and
creates an insulating barrier.

• As a result, sheep wool is an

effective thermal insulator, and is
often used in buildings to
improve energy efficiency and
reduce heating and cooling
costs.
 EXERCISE
1) What is creativity?
2) What is an innovation?
3) Give an example of how creativity and innovative concepts can be
used in civil engineering.
 1.3 Definition and Concept of Technopreneurship

WHAT IS TECHNOPRENEURSHIP ?

• Is a combination of the words ‘technology’ and ‘entrepreneurship’.

.
It is a type of technology-related entrepreneurship.
• It requires tech-savvy, creative, imaginative people who can take on a
calculated risk.
• Technopreneurship involves the creation of a product or solution that employs
technology solutions to transform the way people do things in a traditional
method.
 1.4 The Need for Creativity and Innovation
THE NEED FOR CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

• Competition
• Efficiency / economy
• Technical advances elsewhere
• Pure R & D
• Market share
• Competitive advantage
• Deal with change
• Customers (more demanding / higher expectations)
• External factors
 1.5 The Need for Technopreneurship
• New product and services
Accelerated Economic Growth • Utilizing the existing resources in the
most effective ways

• Solving problems that existing product and

Promotes Innovation technology have not yet solved

• Break tradition/ culture and dependency

Promote Social Changes of society on obsolete methods, systems
and technologies.

• Combined action of entrepreneurs by

Promotes Research and motivating each other, share ideas and
Industrial Development inspiration, and share planning to
establish new industries.
 EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL TECHNOPRENEURSHIP

Elon Musk founder of Tesla Motors

Tesla is a prime example of technopreneurship

in the automotive and clean energy sectors
because it combines advanced technology with
entrepreneurship to transform transportation
Source: https://paultan.org/2023/07/20/2023-tesla-model-y-now-in-malaysia-
and energy production. standard-range-rm199k-long-range-rm246k-performance-rm288k/
 EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL TECHNOPRENEURSHIP

Anthony Than Grabs’s founder

Grab is a prime example of technopreneurship Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/grab-time100-most-influential-

in Malaysia. It is a Southeast Asian ride-hailing, companies

food delivery, and digital payment platform. The

company's success can be attributed to its
innovative use of technology to address
transportation and logistics challenges in the
region.
 TECHNOPRENEURSHIP PROJECT IDEA

Project Title: Smart Construction Site Monitoring and Management System

The "Smart Construction Site Monitoring and Management System" is an innovative

technopreneurial project that aims to address the challenges faced in construction site
management. This project leverages modern technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT)
and data analytics, to create a comprehensive solution that improves efficiency, safety, and
sustainability in construction operations.

Project Title: Automated Waste Sorting and Recycling System for Residential Communities

The "Automated Waste Sorting and Recycling System for Residential Communities" project
combines environmental sustainability with technology to address the growing issue of waste
management in residential areas. This project aims to develop a cost-effective and efficient
automated system for sorting and recycling household waste within residential communities.
 1.6 Stimulants To Creativity
STIMULANTS TO WORK CREATIVITY
FREEDOM in deciding work to do WORK GROUP SUPPORTS
or how to do it such as diverse skills, people
who communicate well, are open
to new ideas, constructively
CHALLENGE to work hard on challenge one another’s work,
important projects trust and help each other, and
feel committed to their work

RESOURCES needed to
do the work
ORGANIZATIONAL
ENCOURAGEMENT in a culture
ENCOURAGEMENT from a that supports creativity and
supervisor who is a good work communicates a shared vision of
model, sets appropriate goals, organization
supports and has confidence in the
work group
 1.7 Obstacles To Creativity
OBSTACLES/ CONSTRAINT TO WORK CREATIVITY

ORGANIZATIONAL
IMPEDIMENTS WORKLOAD
Internal political PRESSURES
problems, harsh Extreme time
criticism of new ideas, pressure, unrealistic
destructive internal expectations, or
competition, avoidance distractions
of risk and
overemphasis on the
status quo
Visual Intelligence Problems
 Activity 1
Connect all nine dots with four (4) straight
continuous lines without your pen (or pencil)
leaving the paper.
 ANSWER
Connect all nine dots with four (4) straight
continuous lines without your pen (or pencil)
leaving the paper.
 Activity 2
Connect all of the sixteen circles shown below, using six
contiguous straight lines.
 ANSWER
Connect all of the sixteen circles shown below, using six
contiguous straight lines.
 Activity 2
Rearrange so that the triangle points to the left instead of
right by moving 3 circles.
 ANSWER
Rearrange so that the triangle points to the left instead of
right by moving 3 circles.
Creativity and Innovation In The World

EXAMPLE: Designing Competition (Ventilation fan)

Brand: Khind Brand: Limax

1 1

2
2
Creativity and Innovation In The World
EXAMPLE: Proton History Design

1985 1993 1995

2018 2008 2020

Coming soon ??

2022 2023 2024

Creativity and Innovation In The World
EXAMPLE: Computers

1962 1990 2005

2015 2020 2023

Creativity and Innovation In The World
EXAMPLE: Satellite Transmitter
Someone
thought
differently
about
expanding
the market .…
OBSERVATION AND OPINIONS ON THE INVENTIONS

1. Income Generating
2. Return on Investment
3. Affordability
4. Energy-Efficient
5. Ergonomics and Safety
6. Portability
7. Ease of Installation and Use
8. Strength and Durability
9. Design for Manufacturing
10. Cultural Acceptability
 GATHERING INFORMATION RELATED TO THE
PRODUCTION OF THE INVENTIONS

1. Interview 6. Internet

2. Focus group 7. Reading

3. Customer survey 8. Seminar

4. Customer complaint 9. Exhibition

5. Warranty data 10.Competition

QOTD