Fostering Curiosity, the Key to Creativity
With the rapid rate of technology and AI, the importance of curiosity has never been more vital.
Curiosity is the quest of new understanding and knowledge while creativity is the metamorphosis of that knowledge into something new. Sure, AI can make our lives easier and tasks more efficient, but it can’t replace human curiosity. For people with creative careers, curiosity must remain at the forefront of our minds because creativity stands out. Creativity survives.
As a graphic designer, I have experienced significant change over the span of my career that has evolved creativity. It has changed the landscape and jobs, but it has not taken the place of creativity. From specking type and pasting up boards to desktop publishing, the progression of creative software tools that enhance creativity and solutions, digital photography and speed — all of these are great tools, but creativity is developed by individuals. Technology has made graphic designers better by providing more tools, which is a good thing. We should embrace AI and recognize its strengths and weaknesses.
From a graphic design and creative perspective:
AI is not:
- Empathetic
- A critical thinker
- Culturally aware and sensitive
- Able to collaborate
- Creative
AI is:
- A tool to automate repetitive tasks
- Dramatically increase efficiencies (e.g., Photoshop enhancements)
- A way to quickly generate more visual element options
- A tool to make us better — more curious, and therefore more creative
Organizations that foster curiosity in the workplace will stand out. Easier said than done, but here are some things to strive for:
- Hire inquisitive individuals
- Leaders should model curiosity by asking questions instead of providing solutions
- Don’t be quick to shoot down ideas, instead, ask more questions
- Encourage frequent collaboration and discussion
- Provide individuals with the freedom to explore interests and ideas
- Take risks and tolerate failure (a balancing act — fail fast and learn faster; don’t repeat mistakes/failure)