ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes useful heuristic or discovery processes, the tools of creativity. Businesses crave breakthrough systems and technologies that can help maintain, gain, or reestablish a market foothold. Industries want innovations that can take them in whole new directions. A glance back over our shoulders can provide inspiration for freeing our own creativity. Creative thoughts have been with humankind since the beginning. The eureka experience captures the spirit and excitement of many a creator and inventor. A variety of mental traits can let the creative spirit loose, rather than squelch it. Some improvements will require giant steps, others will require enhancements by inches. Both are needed for new products and processes to become winners. Peak performance creative thinking combines the energy from each one of the elements.
