Wallas' Stages of Creativity

flowchart LR
A["Preparation"]
B["Incubation"]
C["Illumination"]
D["Verification"]

A --> B --> C --> D
A -->| Routine | D

• Preparation - Gathering the logic and knowledge required to solve a problem, and gaining awareness on the requirements of solving said problem.
  • Sometimes, the problem is solved here already, especially during routines where a systematic algorithm is applied straight away
  • This is where Schemas are ready for use
• Incubation - When conscious effort prevents the thinker from hitting upon the solution, incubation is used. This is where the thinker no longer consciously thinks about the problem. 2 types of incubation
  • Switch mental focus to concentrate on some other task - This has been shown to be somewhat effective but the solutions developed this way lack richness and depth. However, it might help contextualise solutions based on the second task, and can help from associations between both workloads
  • Suspend all conscious mental work efforts and take a break - This is extremely powerful in delivering solutions to complex and difficult problems
• Illumination - The “Eureka!” moment of problem-solving, where the solution created by the unconscious is shifted to the conscious mind of the thinker
• Verification - The thinker verifies that the solution is applicable and correct within the scope of the problem