Generating ideas and exploring new possibilities
Creativity isn’t only art or design. It’s about seeing things from a new angle, finding unnoticed patterns, and connecting ideas.
Creativity definition
To innovate new possibilities to develop and produce original and novel ideas, approaches and solutions.
How creativity shows up in your learning
Creativity is not limited to artistic work. It’s about noticing possibilities, connecting ideas in new ways, and exploring alternatives when there is no single “right” answer.
You might use creativity when you question assumptions, experiment with approaches, or imagine different ways to respond to a challenge.
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Brainstorm multiple ideas before choosing a direction
You generate a wide range of potential solutions for a design brief rather than settling on the first thought that comes to mind. By exploring various paths, you learn to move beyond the obvious and discover more innovative, enduring solutions.
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Prototype, test, and refine concepts
You build a rough model or draft of your project to test how it works, then use the feedback to make improvements. This iterative process turns learning into insight and helps you develop the creativity needed to handle complex challenges
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Approach problems from different perspectives
Look at a difficult task through the eyes of a user, an employer, or a peer to find a new way forward. Considering different viewpoints helps you make sense of your learning journey and builds stronger creativity skills.
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Combine ideas from different subjects or experiences
Take a theory from one course and apply it to a project in a completely different field to create something unique. Merging diverse experiences from inside and outside of the classroom, helps you recognise the enduring human skills that matter beyond university.
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Try unfamiliar methods or formats
Try out a new digital tool or a creative medium you’ve never used before to present your research. Stepping into the unfamiliar helps you notice your skills, building the confidence and self-awareness required for lifelong learning.
How you build creativity at university
At UNSW, creativity develops through
Open-ended projects and design tasks
Experimentation and iteration
Exploring different perspectives in discussions
Responding to feedback and adapting ideas
These experiences build confidence in trying new approaches and learning through exploration.
How to recognise creativity in yourself
Ask yourself
What new idea or approach did I try?
How did I adapt when my first idea didn’t work?
What connections did I make between different concepts?
How students often describe this skill
Instead of saying:
“I completed a design task.”
You might say:
“I explored multiple ideas, tested different approaches, and refined my solution based on feedback.”
Why creativity matters beyond university
Creativity helps turn challenges into opportunities. It supports innovation, adaptability, and problem-finding — especially in contexts where routine tasks are automated.
Want to explore this further?
Reflect on where you’re experimenting in your studies, or use the Skills Bot to practise describing your creative thinking.
