Creative Problem-Solving Skills: The Value of Curiosity and Play

Curiosity is presented as a way to stay with a problem before rushing to a solution. The page says to start broad, understand people in full context, and let interviews and observation surface what matters to them. It also ties deeper understanding to systems thinking, using the iceberg model to look at behaviors, structures, and mindsets.

Reading notes

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• Coe Leta Stafford recommends “living with the problem” instead of moving straight to solutions.
• Curiosity is framed as openness to surprise and discovery, not only as analytical investigation.
• Starting broad helps reveal what people value and how they think in context.
• Systems thinking is used to understand the links inside a system and look for root causes.
• The iceberg model separates the problem into behaviors, structures, and mindsets.
• Play and imagination are described as tools for complex problem solving when ambiguity is high.
• Laughter and joy are linked to learning, engagement, and momentum.
• A breakthrough is described as a feeling between business realities and future possibilities.