Over the last five years I have been constantly exposed to two words- ‘Creativity’ and ‘Design’. And I have done some reading, thinking and introspection as well over these. Creativity is doing things in an original and different way. But it is also devising smarter ways to do the same things. Maybe just finding a faster and smarter way to find squares of numbers! Design, on the other hand, is finding appropriate or more feasible solutions to a problem. Not only does it involve finding a solution, but more importantly, identifying needs and problems! For example, back in the days, a writing device was probably invented, because someone realized the need to jot down things and make records!
Now these are two highly misinterpreted words in today’s times!
I am a Communication Designer by profession. The term 'designer' is mostly associated with artistic and aesthetic values. But in essence, I am a person of ideas and concepts. As a child I was always said to be more into Science, rather than the arts. I enjoyed Mathematics and Biology. But, I was also always involved in all sorts of extra co-curricular activities, which even my parents failed to notice. I loved anything and everything that gave me exposure… food for thought. Now, when I think back in a wholesome way, I realize I have always been a thinker, an explorer. I strongly believe that lines between ‘Science’ and ‘Arts’ that the Indian education system has distinctly divided, are not correct.
It is wrong to believe that a scientific approach is different from that of Design. Please, allow me to explain. Imagine, for instance, a present-day pen being designed. Now the designer needs to make this pen easy and comfortable to hold for long time periods, according to the human hand’s shape (Ergonomics/ Biology), he needs to make sure the ink in it flows unobtrusively (Physics), the material of its body should be light (Material Science/ Chemistry), it should look bright and beautiful for the writer to like it (Aesthetics/ Art) etc. Basically… Our next generation will need to be highly flexible and multi-disciplinarily-ready. And this is only possible if they learn to think the right way.
It is a known fact that the human mind does it’s maximum learning at the age of 3. After that we mostly un-learn, and at a much slower pace. It is at that early stage that we have already formed our thinking processes. I therefore, strongly feel it is very essential that kids be taught to think freely, (in the face of stress, obstructions), originally and most importantly- creatively.
This was a really nice first post. Your point about the distinct line between Science and Arts is absolutely spot on. I think we need to promote greater inter-disciplinary learning - to see how mathematics intersects with the arts and others. You should get back to blogging. (PS: I also liked the post on Ishqiya)
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