Combinational Creativity and AI

This unit establishes a practical ideation toolkit using combinational creativity methods (Generic Parts, Exquisite Corpse, twists/qualifiers, and blending distant domains) and introduces strategies for partnering with generative AI. Students will practice structured exercises, generate multiple concept variations, and prepare a concise startup pitch to set the foundation for later validation and prototyping units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze a designated business challenge and produce at least 10 distinct concept variations using Generic Parts and Exquisite Corpse techniques, documenting the component breakdown for each
• Apply combinational strategies, twists, qualifiers, and distant-domain blending to develop and map at least 8 novel concept permutations, identifying contributing domains and rationale
• Demonstrate effective partnership with generative AI by co-creating and iteratively refining at least three concept drafts, documenting prompts, model outputs, and improvements across iterations
• Evaluate and refine one selected concept into a concise one-page written pitch and a brief spoken pitch, articulating the guiding analogy and strategic novelty that support its potential