Define Stages of creative thinking.

Stages of Creative Thinking:

1. Preparation:

   • The preparation stage involves gathering information, exploring diverse perspectives, and immersing oneself in the problem or task at hand. It requires a deep understanding of the context and the elements surrounding the creative challenge.

2. Incubation:

   • Incubation is a subconscious stage where the mind processes the gathered information. During this phase, the brain works on connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, allowing for unconventional insights and associations to emerge. It often occurs when the individual takes a break from actively thinking about the problem.

3. Illumination:

   • Illumination, or the "Aha!" moment, is when a sudden insight or solution emerges. It represents the conscious awareness of a creative idea or solution that has been forming during the incubation stage. This stage is marked by the realization of a novel and potentially valuable concept.

4. Evaluation:

   • The evaluation stage involves critically assessing the generated ideas or solutions. It includes refining and shaping the creative output, considering its feasibility, effectiveness, and alignment with the original problem or goal. This stage requires a balance between open-mindedness and practical considerations.

5. Elaboration:

   • Elaboration is the stage where the creative idea or solution is further developed, expanded, and refined. It involves adding details, considering potential challenges, and ensuring that the creative concept is well-rounded and ready for implementation.

6. Verification:

   • The final stage, verification, involves testing the creative solution in the real-world context. It assesses the actual impact and effectiveness of the creative idea, providing feedback for further refinement and learning.

These stages highlight the non-linear and iterative nature of the creative thinking process. Individuals may move back and forth between stages, revisiting and refining their ideas as they progress towards innovative solutions. Each stage plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and bringing about novel and valuable outcomes.