Purpose: In this unit, we will explore the first and foundational Discovery Skill of “Associating” and practice strategies to experience it. We will examine the cognitive process of analogical thinking, why it is central in the creative process, and how the other skills that we will be encountering later feed into it.

Objectives: At the end of this unit, students will be able to: ● Explain what analogical thinking is and its role in sparking innovation. ● Demonstrate analogical thinking using examples and exercises. Required

Readings and Viewings: Catmull, E., with Wallace, A. (2014) Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the unseen forces that stand in the way of true inspiration. New York: Random House. Read "Part I: Getting Started" (Chapters 1-4) and read Chapter 11 "The Unmade Future" Dyer, J., Gregersen, H., & Christensen, C. (2011). Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the five skills of disruptive innovators. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Read Chapter 2 on associating. Paul, A. M. (2014, March 26). The key to innovation: Making smart analogies [Web log post]. Available at https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/03/29/the-key-to-innovation-making- smart-analogies/

Videos: “Guest Innovators on Associating”

Tasks: 1. Watch the video “Guest Innovators on Associating.”
2. Complete Required Readings and Viewings prior to class. 3. Attend your live class session at the scheduled time.