Learn about creativity from individual and organisational perspectives, and how to create and lead transformative change.
Boost your skills: learn the basics of radical creativity
Creative thinking and related ability to change are core competencies of the future in all fields. Aalto University launched a free online introductory course on radical creativity in Finnish and English on November 14, 2024.
Today, all industries are facing fundamental changes. Creative thinking is the core competence of future leaders and knowledge workers. It is also a prerequisite for finding non-obvious, groundbreaking ideas.
Contrary to common belief, creativity can be developed and learned. We are often creative in everyday life without realising it, and this quality can be practiced intentionally.
In our daily lives, we employ creativity when unexpected situations happen and we must adapt. Instead of a single correct approach, there are numerous potential and diverse ways to address challenges.
The concept of radical creativity contains a more transformative level, combining several, sometimes even seemingly unrelated domains of knowledge in a useful and thought-provoking manner. The new connections expand the boundaries of what is possible.
Radical creativity drives innovation and fundamental change. By grasping the basic principles and non-linear operating models of radical creativity, we can more effectively proceed and thrive in a world full of complex challenges and uncertainty.
Free basic-level course introduces radical creativity
The Diving into Radical Creativity course introduces the concept of radical creativity, as well as tools and methods to address complex challenges and embrace the uncertainty inherent in the creative process.
The course teaches key mindsets and skills to harness creativity and radical creativity as tools for making change, irrespective of the field. Completing the three-credit introductory course takes approximately 72 hours. However, one can also study only select sections of the course.
During the course, you will engage in creative experiments that have the potential to change the world better step by step. You will also explore theories of creativity and discover inspiring examples of the transformative power of multidisciplinary collaboration. Learning will also occur implicitly through observation, listening, embodiment, and engaging with inspiring narratives.
The course will introduce you to Finland's first satellite company, Iceye, as well as to the story of the Shimmering Wood crystals. Additionally, you will examine social innovations such as the Buurtzorg care service and the city of Amsterdam's doughnut economy model, alongside theories of systemic change.
Right now, creativity is the skill to master
Aalto University is renowned for its transdisciplinary learning pedagogy, which fosters innovative approaches to problem-solving by integrating diverse fields. The online course is not organized by specific subjects, but rather explores radical creativity as a multidisciplinary phenomenon across research, business development, technology, change management, and art and design. The course was developed with input from several Aalto University educators and researchers representing a variety of disciplines. The course is provided by the Department of Design.
The free creativity course, open to all, is meeting the growing demand. According to the most recent survey by the World Economic Forum (2023), creative thinking has been identified as the second most crucial and fastest-growing skill in the workplace. The survey, which gathered insights of managers from over 800 companies employing a total of more than 11 million people across 27 different industries in 45 countries, sheds light on the global importance of creative thinking.
Finland's education system has demonstrated international success in the PISA studies. In the category of creative thinking in the latest 2022 study, , with only Singapore, Korea, Canada, and Australia ahead. New Zealand, Estonia, Denmark, and Latvia were on par with Finland.
The course is part of elective studies and the offering of Aalto University's Life-wide Learning.
Additional information:
Riikka Mäkikoskela
Head of Radical Creativity
+358 45 1313562
riikka.makikoskela@aalto.fi
Free introductory course on creativity
The course is open to all, whether you are a student at Aalto University or another university, a prospective student, or already in the working life. Diving into Radical Creativity also serves as a professional development course for individuals in various fields. Join us!
Design your own learning path
The course is non-linear, allowing you to progress in any order. After reading the five introductory chapters, select 15 of the 25 sub-paragraphs that most interest you. You also have the option to read everything - radical creativity is fascinating and expands perspective.
Versatile and inspiring teaching resources
The teaching resources contain plenty of videos, example stories and multiple-choice quizzes. The course also includes applicable everyday exercises and reflection assignments.
Earn three study credits
Completing the course is estimated to take 72 hours, or approximately ten working days.
Riikka Mäkikoskela, Head of Radical Creativity (project management, concept and content)
Pauliina Seppälä, Project Specialist (lead editing, coordination and content)
Jade Lönnqvist, Research Assistant (content, platform editing and visualisation)
Oana Velcu-Laitinen, Creativity Specialist (main content writing)
Maria Joutsenvirta, Senior Specialist (content)
Sedeer el-Showk, Editor (content, revision in English)
Annamari Typpö, Translator (Finnish)
Turkan Firinci Orman, Project Manager (course, pedagogy and concept design, content)
Paulo Dziobczenski, Project Specialist (course and concept design, content)
Tiina Toivola, Communications
Milla Kokko, Senior Specialist (concept design and marketing)
Nicole Grekov, Communications Trainee
Teacher in charge
Pirjo Kääriäinen, Associate Professor, Department of Design, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Technical implementation, user interface and experience design and visual identity: Adventure Club
Tua Björklund, School of Engineering/Design Factory
Ville Eloranta, School of Business/IDBM
Vikki Eriksson, School of Engineering/Design Factory
Antti Karttunen, School of Chemical Engineering
Satu Kyösola, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Tuuli Mattelmäki, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Niina Nurmi, School of Science
Henri Weijo, School of Business
Salu Ylirisku, School of Electrical Engineering
Juha Martikainen, IT Services
Esa Salmio, Learning Services
Why should everyone study creativity right now?
Chief Human Resources Officer Riitta Silvennoinen is encouraging employees to be radical by taking time for learning. All staff at Aalto have the opportunity to take a basic course in radical creativity during their working hours.
'We cannot solve today’s complex challenges with traditional approaches' –– dozens of Finnish organisations support Aalto's radical creativity initiative
Aalto University launches a free online course to make the basics of radical creativity accessible to all
Radical Creativity
There is no set recipe for changing the world. It takes courage and grit to boldly create something new without fearing failure.
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