My notes from the 2012 O+A Sessions

These are my notes from Meagan Bennett’s presentation on “The Genius of Childhood,” which was my personal favorite session of the day. It was focused on recapturing the childlike view of the world so that we can once again be amazed at the little things that fuel our creativity as adults.

Kids laugh 300 times a day. As we grow up, that number dwindles to 15 times a day. As adults, if we remember how to behave like kids, we will be more creative people.

Your job frames your creative process, not the other way around.

In order to have a successful design process, you have to do more than know and understand your audience, you really have to become one of your audience.

Steps to recapture your vision for the world like a child has:

1. Exhibit fearless curiosity
   • We are born like this. If it’s fostered as a kid, we are more successful as an adult.
   • There are three things that stifle this curiosity: fear, disapproval, absence of someone to share a new discovery with.
   • If we can get back to this mindset, we can get out of our comfort zone and that is where real creativity lies.
2. Rediscover a sense of wonder
   • Thinking with creativity turns a passive brain into an active brain.
   • As an adult, we never live in the present. As children, thats all we did. Thats why kids are always learning.
   • As we get older, our thinking shifts from inward thinking to outward thinking. But when we think TOO big picture, we miss the details, and its the details that make a design amazing.
3. Make Non-linear connections
   • Do things that will foster a different piint of view.
   • Good design takes people doing normal things to unexpected and amazing places.
   • We still love this as adults, but it happens less because our minds become less flexible and our thoughts narrow.
   • Kids approach problems from random directions, and that is where childhood creativity cmes from.
   • Define yourself like a child does. Be whatever you are doign at the time. Don’t pigeonhole yourself.
   • Never stop learning and trying new things.
4. Be passionate
   • Children can’t wait to get out of bed and start their day. They get excited about going to school and learning new things.
   • If you are creating things from a place of passion, you can’t help but fall in love with what you are doing.
   • “Take your pleasure seriously.” – Charles Eames
   • Love having fun and learning.

“Every child is born an artist. The problem is remembering how to be an artist as you grow up.” -Picasso

Always remember to never grow up.