ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the overall strategies scientist can use, as an individual or in a team, to ignite the imagination. These are approaches to shake up, tear, unlock, splinter, or evaporate the mind-sets that keep people blind to new possibilities. The chapter examines some of the critical elements that carry out the strategies and lead people to a creative state of mind, generating rich, fresh, breakthrough ideas. The search phase attempts to stir the imagination, using strategies and keys to unlock creativity. Some critical elements for igniting inventive reasoning have been presented. To release creative energy, three things—storm, calm, and access—need to be combined. They may seem to be contradictory, but should occur in concert for the most effective flow of imagination. Mind-bending strategies are deceptively simple, yet require continued practice and refinement. The strategies can be considered techniques, yet they require personal involvement and a proper mental attitude.
