Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It is often used in conjunction with convergent thinking, which follows a particular set of logical steps to arrive at one solution, which in some cases is a "correct" solution. Divergent thinking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, such that many ideas are generated in an unorganized fashion. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected connections are drawn. After the process of divergent thinking has been completed, ideas and information are organized and structured using convergent thinking.
Psychologists have found that a high IQ alone does not guarantee creativity. Instead, personality traits that promote divergent thinking are more important. Divergent thinking is found among people with personalities which have traits such as nonconformity, curiosity, willingness to take risks, and persistence. Additionally, researchers at Vanderbilt University found that musicians are more adept at utilizing both hemispheres and more likely to use divergent thinking in their thought processes.
Activities which promote divergent thinking include creating lists of questions, setting aside time for thinking and meditation, brainstorming, subject mapping / "bubble mapping", keeping a journal, creating artwork, and free writing. In free writing, a person will focus on one particular topic and write non-stop about it for a short period of time, in a stream of consciousness fashion.
^ a b c "Strategies of Divergent Thinking". University of Washington. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
^ Wade, Carole; Tavris, Carol (2008). Inviation to Psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson - Prentice Hall. pp. 258. ISBN 0-13-601609.
^ "Musicians use both sides of their brains more frequently than average people". PhysOrg.com. 2008-10-02. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
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Where did the inspiration for Uberstix come from?
"I was traveling with my eight year old son and on the way to the hotel we stopped so he
could buy a block construction toy hang-glider with his allowance. It came with one of
it's popular characters and he could not wait to build it. He was disapointed when he
opened it and realized that it was representational...It wasn't meant to fly
I saw this as an opportunity to teach him about problem-solving, and so we
went on a scavenger hunt and 20 minutes later with some paper, tape and a small straw,
we had built a working hang-glider for the cool character. He played with it for hours,
flying it off the second floor balcony.
That was the spark that became Uberstix... that boats would float and sail,
planes would fly and buildings would be structural"
All construction systems help development of spacial and problem solving skills,
so ...Why UBERSTIX?
Building with a construction toy system is unique, in that while you are having fun, you are also developing spatial and problem solving skills. As you build more challenging projects you are also building self-esteem and confidence. The first time you build a structure taller than yourself, your perspective of the world shifts and more things seem possible and within reach. Our goal at Uberstix is to raise the bar and challenge you to "Think Outside the Blox". By introducing recyclable materials into the equation, it becomes second nature to start looking at the possibilities of everything around you.
Educators call it "Divergent Thinking", we just call it fun!
You may already know UBERSTIX works with all other build systems...
You may already know UBERSTIX integrates with recycled materials...
Put them together and you have "Open-Source" building, and that can take you to a place of unlimited possibilities...
Consider this: A guy is walking down a path, a burr sticks to his clothes and as he pulls it loose, he is amazed at it's grip. This insignificant event had occurred billions of times throughout history, and yet, this one guy seeing the possibilities, called it "Velcro".
UBERSTIX promotes and develops critical and free association thinking
UBERSTIX opens the playground of the mind to a world of possibilities