This element highlights the requirement for creative thought and action across the product innovation process. Creativity is shown to have applications in many stages of product design and development ranging from market and user research to material selection and design for manufacture.

A wide range of personnel involved in the product innovation process need to possess skills and knowledge of creativity - not just those directly involved in design and development. This element presents applications of creativity in manufacturing industry and it provides techniques and tips for improving creative thinking.

Learning outcomes
After completing this element you should:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of strategies and techniques for creative thought and action
• Identify general opportunities for creativity in the product innovation process
• Identify tangible benefits of applying creative thought within the product innovation process
• Be better able to generate creative ideas to typical problems in manufacturing industry
• Understand the value of practical skills such as sketching and 3D modelling

The element is available available here.