On the Systematic Method to Enhance the Epiphany Ability of Individuals

Abstract

Epiphany is a crucial stage in the process of creative thinking. The prototype heuristic theory has proved that the individual epiphany ability depends on the individual's ability to get out of the fetter of mental fixation, activate the prototype and acquire the key heuristic information from the activated prototype. Based on this theory, this present research combines the findings of extenics, TRIZ and theory of creativity to have developed a systematic method on enhancing individual epiphany ability. Supported by information technology, the method takes theory of creativity as its methodology, extension strategy generation as its framework, element theory its database and knowledge management its feedback chain. The research aims to cultivate creative thinking and eventually enhance the creativity of individuals.