AI-Supported Creative Problem Solving

The six main steps of problem solving are presented. The use of Generative AI (GAI) is shown as a way to address common challenges in creative problem solving, such as clarifying the problem, expanding and diversifying ideas, finding root causes, checking logical consistency, verifying evidence, stress testing solutions, and using the "devil's advocate" approach.

GAI is demonstrated through examples of methods used at different steps of creative problem solving, including: critical reasoning (Socratic questions, the Duncker diagram, the Kepner--Tregoe method, and order-of-magnitude reasoning), brainstorming, checklists, biomimetics, the fishbone diagram, sequence--attribute modification, morphological analysis, case-based reasoning, TRIZ, and Best of the Best.

The course consists of two parts, delivered in Periods I and II, respectively.

The first part combines short lectures with problem-solving sessions in groups of three to four students. Students are required to attend at least 80% of these in-class activities.

The second part is a group project completed outside class in teams of three to four students.