Alex Fung on Creativity

 Mr Alex Fung

Date: 30 April 2014 (Wednesday)

Time: 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Venue: LT2, THEi Building

Abstract

Thinking is a part of what makes us human. We are all born with a brain but how can we use our brains effectively and creatively? And what is creativity anyway?

There is a saying that 'creativity cannot be taught, it can only be caught'! How, then, can we nurture our brain to work creatively and efficiently? With today’s pressing social concerns, how can we as designers come up with innovative design solutions to help the community?  

In answering these questions, Alex Fung will contextualise the theory and practices of creative thinking and creative problem-solving based on a humanistic approach. This talk will deal with the mythology and definition of creativity. We have too many myths and theories about creativity and not enough knowledge that is grounded in practice that can be used by designers and non-designers alike, to induce the creative jump (at times into the unknown). This kind of 'talent' is not simply an untutored or unlearned 'gift' or natural endowment, but requires cultivation.

So, let's explore where and how creative ideas come from, and how to conceptualise these ideas into workable design solutions that ultimately impact upon the well-being of our society.

Bio Data

Alex Fung has a wealth of academic experience in the teaching and curriculum development of design. Mr Fung previously served as Principal of Hong Kong Design Institute and Academic Director of VTC; and before that he held the title of Associate Head and Associate Professor of the School of Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic University for over 20 years. He taught Design Thinking, Visual Communication, Branding and Advertising in the BA(HONS) in Design programme. He has a special research interest in the development and application of creative and strategic thinking methodologies in design and other related disciplines. He has also researched and published in the area of design education development in Hong Kong and China. He is the co-author of the best-selling book ‘Creative Tools’, published by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He has been Honorary Professor in Design of Shanghai Jiaotong University since 2001 and served as Visiting Professor of the Macao Polytechnic Institute from 2007 to 2010.

Language: English

For enquiries, please call Ms Shirley YAN at 2176 1433