Creative Thinking has opened up new ways for us to approach problems, by applying the creative thought process to our final group project.

Finding & Defining the Problem:

The problem was defined to us by Professor Goh Ban Eng. We were tasked to create a sling bag from recycled materials that was durable and waterproof.

Finding and selecting relevant information:

Drawing inspiration from well-established brands like Friedtag and tagger, we researched and brainstormed on potential designs and materials we could use for our bag.

Surprisingly, google and youtube brought in a treasure trove of resources that we could refer to. Especially with the green movement today, more and more people are moving towards using old recyclable materials to make fashionable accessories and purses.

Discussing the problem:

We needed to, above fulfilling the given criteria for a bag that was durable and waterproof, to create something visually appealing for both men and women.

Idea generation, exploration, evaluation:

We started off with just a bunch of recycled materials, unclear of the design of our bag. But as we felt around and examined our resources at hand, we started to form the basic outlines for the bag.

Whilst brainstorming, we identified certain pitfalls in the bag’s design and modified them along the way. Applying SCAMPER and De Bono’s six thinking hats, we developed the idea of our bag. One that was stylish and at the same time useful at many different angles. 

White: concerned with facts and figures

We needed to build a bag

Bag must be waterproof

Bag must be attractive enough to be valued at $50

Bag must be made entirely of items that had zero cost

 

Red: operates from emotional stands

We wanted to develop a bag that inspired a cozy feel; something that looked a little bedraggled but still held a lot of sentimental value because it had been through thick and thin with you.

We wanted something that was at the same time simple and attractive. Hence we went for solid colours for most of the bag, and integrated a bright cover to add variety and vibrancy.

 

Green: creative and open to new ideas

Our bag had to be more than an ordinary bag. Hence we incorporated several concepts not usually found in a bag; a watch was sewn into the strap; several pockets were sewn into the inner surface of the bag to hold stationery; the straps of the bag could be changed at any time, as long as one had another one handy. We were also open to use of any and all material, which gave rise to the idea of ironing several black trash bags to create the flap. The base of the bag was also made of a piece dartboard, chosen for its sturdiness.

 

Black: focus on why things cannot be done

It would be very difficult to make the bag attractive; recycled material tended to be unaesthetic and simplistic. Acquiring the right materials in the proper conditions would also be difficult as recycled materials are hard to come by. Connecting the various pieces would pose the biggest problem. Sewing would definitely be the primary method used, but certain materials used were too sturdy and thick, and broke the needles. Furthermore we would need a sewing machine.

 

Yellow: optimistic

Everyone can definitely contribute some of their items from home to make the bag. We had very creative team members whose myriad strengths complemented each other very well.

 

Blue: concerned with control

Creativity must be controlled or it may spiral into the outrageous and ultimately becomes counterproductive. Our team recognized this from the beginning of the project and appointed someone to maintain focus while the others were given free rein to idea innovate. 

Redefining the problem:

Now we had new objectives set out: 

• Durable
• Waterproof
• Reconstructible
• Versatile

Analogical thinking:

With that, we set out creating a bag that was unfoldable. By attaching zippers and buttons to the sides of a seemingly flimsy (which was in actuality extremely strong) material—a rice bag which was able to carry up to 10kg in rice—we created a bag that could easy be opened up, fuss-free for those of us who are unable to locate things in our bag.

This idea made our bag not merely a pleasant looking one, but a conceptually sound and interesting idea.