Creative Problem Solving Institute 2026

In this dynamic, hands-on session, participants will discover how human creativity and AI’s analytical power can work together to accelerate the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process. Leveraging the AI tool Sluice AI and CPS principles, attendees will engage in experiential exercises that demonstrate how AI can amplify ideation without replacing human insight. This workshop introduces a practical AI tool and frameworks for accelerating organizational innovation, enabling smarter, faster, and more impactful solutions. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to blend technology and creativity for breakthrough results.  

*If you have a laptop, it would be great for you to bring it to this session*

Takeaways

• Human-in-the-Loop Innovation: Understand how combining human judgment with AI-driven insights enhances creative problem solving in real-world contexts.
• Practical Tools: Learn to use Sluice AI and other tools to Explore Data, Clarify the Problem, Ideate, and Develop Solutions quickly and effectively.
• Integration Strategies: Gain strategies for embedding AI into creative workflows without sacrificing human perspective.

In this workshop, participants will explore how to use creative collaboration and design thinking to transform the way government and public institutions deliver services. Through an immersive design sprint simulation, attendees will learn how to bring together staff, citizens, and leaders to co-design people-first solutions that stick.    

Takeaways

• Experience the impact of co-creation on problem solving and alignment.
• Learn facilitation techniques to foster creativity and inclusion.
• Identify ways to adapt design thinking for complex government challenges.    

How can we turn fear of disaster into fuel for community resilience? Join this high-energy "Design Studio" to use Creative Problem Solving (CPS) to catalyze social impact. In this hands-on session, you will work in a small team to ideate and develop a "Quick Quest" — a 5-10 minute game-based activity — to help individuals and communities prepare to face a wildfire, flood, or other disaster. You’ll leave with a tangible game concept, a behind-the-scenes look at designing for social impact, and a playful yet powerful tool for rapid collaborative problem-solving.    

Takeaways

• Rapid CPS Iteration: Experience a ""lightning-fast"" application of the CPS stages to move from problem description to playable prototype in under 90 minutes.
• Game Design for Impact: Embrace the concept of ""Serious Games"" and see how play can create a safe space for addressing sensitive and high-stakes issues.
• The ""Serious Creativity"" Mindset: Discover how to maintain a bias toward results while balancing divergent exploration with convergent decision-making.

Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a process with many hidden gifts and coping mechanisms to fact today's challenges. This experiential and interactive session will explore the evolution, revolution and application of Divergence and Convergence in CPS in every aspect of our daily lives, if we are willing to take the plunge. We will take a deep dive in the intricacies of divergence and convergence and leave with a self-constructed personal plan for implementation. Come open --minded, open-hearted and thirsty for the outcomes.     

Takeaways

• Taking this deep dive into the history of divergence and convergence helps us understand its potential and power in all aspects of our lives.
• Exploring brain theory and emotional intelligence, as they relate to divergence and convergence, facilitates one's pathway to walking into ourselves with tools and skill sets to manage ever-increasing challenges today. 
• Understanding the importance of self-exploration with this dynamic thinking duo promotes investment, practice, and commitment for success.