How do do learn as makers? - Lecture 2, 13/02/19

Lecture notes
​Project Thoughts wt Six Hats

In this lecture we began an investigation as to how we as makers/creators learn. In the lecture we were given examples of means of displaying our thought process and were encouraged to consider how we go about our creative practise we were given the task of mind mapping our most resent protect [add link] and consider and consider with the framework of Edward de Bono's six thinking hats idea. 
​I think the lecture lingered too long on the creation and ideas around mind maps, rather that possibly exploring more ideas around how creative thinking because there has to be more than De Bono's ideas.  

On Edward De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats

—De Bono begins by posing analogies that suggest that the mind as a tool that is most efficient when monotasking, which he states is the strength of the Six Hats method:  

It [Six Hats Method]allows the brain to maximize its sensitivity in different directions at different times. It is simply not possible to have that maximum sensitization in different directions all at the same time.(De Bono, 2009)

Due to this assumption the Six Hats, are means of focusing the creative process on one hat’s thinking type at a time. De Bono goes on to a brief discussion of Western thinking - derived from Greek philosophers Socrates; Plato; and Aristotle – which he states
 
As a result, Western thinking is concerned with 'what is', which is determined by analysis, judgement and argument. (De Bono, 2009)

He acknowledges this as thinking as useful, however is a detriment to the question of “what can be” necessary for creative thinking. The “what is” form of thinking is useful in establishing modes of operating based on past events which he refers to as a box, choosing a course of action then relies upon deciding which box is best applicable for the situation. This methodology is suitable for a stationary world however begins to collapse in face of a more dynamic environment, for this De Bono proposes that Parallel thinking is used.

—Parallel think is a method which involves looking a subject from multiple perspectives in order to establish a full view of a situation. What is interest is how De Bono applies this line of thinking to an argument,

In traditional thinking, if two people disagree, there is an argument in which each tries to prove the other party wrong. In parallel thinking, both views, no matter how contradictory, are put down in parallel. If, later on, it is essential to choose between the different positions, then an attempt to choose is made at that point. If a choice cannot be made, then the design has to cover both possibilities.
At all times the emphasis is on designing a way forward. (De Bono, 2009)

The hats are designed to be used as a series of directions which allow for the changing of one’s perspectives and guiding one’s thinking. It is the intent of the system that all hats are utilized, not simultaneously but at some point, by the same person. 

Works Cited

​De Bono, E., 2009. Chapter 1: Introduction. In: Six Thinking Hats. s.l.:Penguin, pp. 1-12.