Functional fixedness: when we stick to what we know
Functional fixedness is a form of cognitive bias which makes us automatically narrow down the function of each tool. Although functional fixedness offers great mental shortcuts, it can present barriers to working to your full creative potential. Here are some tips to help you overcome this cognitive bias and reach your creative potential:
Cognitive bias that impairs creative thinking
Karl Duncker defined functional fixedness as the inability to see that a box of tacks could be useful on its own
- Young children are great at thinking creatively
- This disappears quickly as they reach adulthood
- Promoting creative ways of thinking can help to overcome this
- There is comfort in repeating tasks that fit preconceived ideas
The power of conscious practice
As we get older, our preconceived ideas of how things should be done become more rigid and harder to challenge.
- Making a conscious effort to let go of rigidity in favor of finding new ways of doing things will foster more innovative thinking.
Overcoming Functional Fixedness
It is possible to teach your brain to move away from functional fixedness and instead embrace creative thinking at work and in your personal life.
- A study suggests that brain rewiring can occur as a form of plasticity resulting from learning processes and life experiences
- That’s good news: it means it is possible, and we should, teach our brains to move towards creative thinking
Look for inspiration elsewhere
Even professionals in other sectors or distant industries can offer insight into new ways of solving problems.
- Ask a friend how they would approach your problem in their industry to get an idea of how to approach the same problem in theirs to find creative solutions.
Make a conscious effort
Remind yourself that you are learning to step away from fixed ideas
- Set time aside to explore the issue creatively in order to find alternative solutions
- It will take time and effort to find innovative ways of problem-solving, but it is vital to tackling functional fixedness.
Widen your network
Crowdsourcing is a great way to overcome functional fixedness
- Since the eighteenth century, organisations have used this technique to broaden creativity and innovation in every aspect of business.
- Take advantage of this by expanding your network and taking inspiration from others to be more creative.
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Abstract the problem
Focus on the essential elements of the problem – focus only on its essential elements.
- Thinking in an abstract manner allows you to come up with new perspectives that are creative, and in many cases, better than the ones stemming from fixed ideas (eg. “but we have always done it this way”).
Remove Judgement
Remove judgment early in the process so that all ideas can be properly contemplated
- Do not limit your options, as new perspectives that you allow to emerge could later be highly successful
- No idea is too wild, just don’t judge them harshly