Creative Problem Solving Interviews
Laura — Interior Designer
1. How do you generate ideas? How, when, and where are you inspired? What obstacles do you face in coming up with a new idea and how do you overcome those obstacles?
I am inspired by beautiful things—mostly places and scenery —especially old things! I like to investigate architecture, photography, national parks, and colors—all while trying to connect the past with the present. I am inspired when I am fully immersed in these places and situations.
Sometimes projects just don't come together in the way I wanted and I have to start over, which can be devastating, but is always the correct choice.
2. What processes do you use to solve problems? Explain your journey from inspiration to implementation.
I am very visual so I draw things out and color code them so that I can understand everything in a clear way. When I come across a problem in my work, I like to re-trace my steps and figure out where we went wrong. Once I figure that out, I think of the best approach to get what I want to happen which usually involves explaining the problem to someone else in the clearest way possible and making them feel like they are on my side. It's hard to solve a problem on your own and usually is a team effort so you need people on your side.
Once I have an idea, I need to create a plan. I am most successful when I am organized and have clear steps to take to reach my goal.
1. How do you generate ideas? How, when, and where are you inspired? What obstacles do you face in coming up with a new idea and how do you overcome those obstacles?
My biggest source of inspiration comes from my designer folks and everyday life interactions with people and things. I’m inspired every day by other designers’ work, their methods to communicate messages, and how they execute an idea by creating something new based on what has been done before. Good designs can be found everywhere, now that people are starting to realize the importance of imagery and brands. It’s like picking up a beautiful and easy-to-understand restaurant menu, or a quirky hand-drawn message in a gift package.
For me, one of the greatest obstacles in generating ideas is understanding how to take those inspirations and then create something new. Another challenge is to be broad enough to allow your imagination to take off, while still allowing for brand limitations. At the end of the day, these obstacles can be overcome by strong research processes and great discussions with your peers so they can help to build and expand your ideas.
2. What processes do you use to solve problems? Explain your journey from inspiration to implementation.
For every project, I prefer to begin with research. Extensive research helps to set parameters—to see who or what the design if for. For me, this is the most important process because I need to define and analyze the problem in order to find a solution. After that, brainstorming sessions pave the way for concept development. I look for inspirations from my peers, from other designers, and from the world to see what has been done before and what else can be done.
The last step is sketching out of different ideas, executing them, receiving feedback from peers, and incorporating notes and revisions until the final solution is delivered.
Kevin — Reality TV Producer
1. How do you generate ideas? How, when, and where are you inspired? What obstacles do you face in coming up with a new idea and how do you overcome those obstacles?
To generate ideas, I think about what’s happening in the world. In reality television, I think about what’s happening with the cast and then I decide what would have the biggest impact through change and entertainment.
I’m most inspired when hearing about change-makers that are not in my field. I look to understand how their ideas can be applicable to what I’m doing. Following trends and current events gets me going.
An obstacle I encounter is making sure ideas are authentic, but also entertaining. When something isn’t entertaining or authentic, I try to flip ideas on their heads. For example, on “I Am Jazz,” Jazz wanted to do a drag show, but there wasn’t a strong reason behind it. Then, I found out that her friend, Noelle, was denied insurance coverage for her gender affirmation surgery. I immediately knew we could produce the drag show as a fundraiser for her.
We also sent the crew home after Jazz’s gender affirmation surgery and then she had to have an emergency second operation. I ended up filming several scenes on my iPhone, which saved the last episode of the season. I see this as innovation.
2. What processes do you use to solve problems? Explain your journey from inspiration to implementation.
First, I identify the problem and look at how it was supposed to be. Then I determine the timeline and priority of how it should be addressed. In terms of implementing a solution, I first have to get everyone else on board. When something goes wrong, we discuss as a team and try to understand how to avoid similar problems in the future.
