Developing Creative Competencies

This paper offers a theoretical framework for how to think about and understand
creativity – and how to work with the development of creative competencies in design
education. Most design students experience recurrent, individual challenges in design
work, which have to do with their personal, psychological configuration. The objective of the present research is to provide new insight into the dynamics underlying our individual strengths and challenges, and develop approaches to help design students come full circle in creative work processes. The paper builds on contemporary theory and techniques from the field of psychology, as well as research-in-practice with students at the Kolding School of Design and presents the outline of a model for how to work with and facilitate the development of creative competencies. While the research is still in its early phases, response from participants is promising.