The Houses of Creativity: An Integrated Framework of the Creative Process in Honeycomb

Abstract

Wallas’ (1926) model, The Art of Thought, is the most popular model of the creative process, coexisting with other later models. It encompasses only cognitive processes: preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification, within a limited stage of the process, excluding other crucial non-mental activities, such as the materialization of the idea or its communication. The 25 models of the creative process analyzed in this study apply a linear temporal framework to a process that is inherently nonlinear. The most popular tests and programs to evaluate and enhance creativity primarily intervene in the ideation stage, and by ignoring other parts of the creative process, they are not effective. Unlike previous models, The Houses of Creativity identify the phases with a conceptual rather than a temporal criterion, structured in a honeycomb pattern, addressing the non-linearity of the process. Additionally, its phases apply not only to creative production but to all tasks susceptible to the process. It includes: supermarket (selecting), temple (observing, perceiving, questioning), library (informing), cabin (ideating), bar (distracting and socializing), warehouse (stockpiling), hobby house (enjoying), laboratory (developing and verifying), and gallery (communicating and convincing). A person who is only good at ideation in the cabin (according to Torrance tests) will not be able to successfully complete the creative process. This theoretical research could pave the way for developing personalized tools to assess and enhance creativity, or to form interdisciplinary teams that incorporate them.