Capstone project: solve a real problem, from A to Z

Capstone project — Solve a real problem

Goal: turn every level of the guide into a reflex, by solving a real problem from start to finish.
Material: the cheat sheet below (the key methods to keep at hand).
Method: one step per phase — and never forget: frame before generating, decide before concluding.

⬇️ Download the Creativity cheat sheet (TXT)

Step 0 · Level 0 — Mindset

Pick a real problem (at work or personal). Set the mindset: separate divergence and convergence, lift your blockers, create safety, get out the idea notebook.

Step 1 · Level 2 — Frame the problem

Before any solution: describe with 5W1H, distinguish cause and symptom (5 whys, Ishikawa for multiple causes), then reframe as "How might we…?".

Step 2 · Level 1 — Generate widely

Produce a maximum of ideas without judging: brainstorming (4 rules), brainwriting, SCAMPER on the existing, associations and random word for breakthrough ideas.

Step 3 · Level 3 — Structure the thinking

As needed: Design Thinking (empathy → prototype), 6 hats for a group decision, lateral thinking to unblock, empathy map to start from the real need.

Step 4 · Level 4 — Converge & decide

Group by affinity, vote (dot voting), prioritize with the impact/feasibility matrix, prototype low-fi, test, then decide and build an action plan (who/what/when).

Step 5 · Level 5 — As a team & lasting

Keep the approach alive: run a workshop, harness collective intelligence (no groupthink), establish the right to fail, and maintain your creativity daily.

Success criteria

A well-framed problem (cause, not symptom) reframed as "How might we…?".
A wide generation phase, without judgment, with several methods.
A structured convergence (grouping, vote, impact/feasibility matrix).
A low-fi prototype tested with real users, then iterated.
An owned decision and a concrete action plan (who does what, when).