Chapter 11 - Structured Creativity: Framing Tools

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As we move forward with Think Two Products Ahead , Ben continues with specific framing tools for profitable results. While "structured creativity" sounds a little stilted, once you catch on to what it's really all about, the "structured" part is freedom in motion.

With a different perspective of framing, our work on the Legend Platform can be seen through fresh eyes. Understand first and foremost that what is presented here are tools. Tools giving you the opportunity to see things as different than you may see them now.

How you use the tools is up to you. How you structure your creativity is also up to you. If you're waiting for permission to use a tool in your toolbox, chances are you are also waiting for profits. If you're waiting for permission to be creative, keep waiting and while you're waiting, go get a job working for someone who already gave themselves permission to create.

An illustration for the use of the tools described in this chapter comes from a recent blog post by Ken McArthur . While working on a book project, Ken uses a variation of the tools Ben describes to move his own book project forward with clarity and purpose. Read Ken's blog post here for the relevant truth he learned from Ben.

"This chapter might be perceived as esoteric by some readers. Some readers may be put off by the word esoteric, because they don't know that it means that the subject matter is difficult and likely to be understood by just a few. I'm okay with this. Framing your product from scratch takes work--mental work--and play." - Ben Mack

Play?

Yes play. As in play with the tools by using the tools to shift your thinking and thus your perceptions. Ben gives a simple and fun exercise using a banana. A banana is an excellent framing tool to use in your structured creativity. Besides, it won't hurt near as much if you're playing with a piece of fruit instead of a hammer and you accidentally smack your thumb.

Go ahead. Give yourself permission to have some fun and play. You might just amaze yourself at the profitable results you produce by having fun with the mental effort you invest.