Article on Constraints for artists
https://rhizomecollaborative.com/the-beautiful-side-of-constraints/
Brian Eno’s integrating randomness into the work:
Oblique Strategies (subtitled Over One Hundred Worthwhile Dilemmas) is a card-based method for promoting creativity jointly created by musician/artist Brian Eno and multimedia artist Peter Schmidt, first published in 1975. Physically, it takes the form of a deck of 7-by-9-centimetre (2.8 in × 3.5 in) printed cards in a black box.[1][2][3] Each card offers a challenging constraint intended to help artists (particularly musicians) break creative blocks by encouraging lateral thinking. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oblique_Strategies
Osborn’s checklist
https://www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/research/dmg/tools-and-techniques/osborns-checklist/
How to Harness the Power of Constraints
If you’re looking to tap into the creativity of constraint, here are a few strategies to consider:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Define the scope of your project, whether it’s a deadline, a budget, or a specific set of tools. Clear boundaries provide a framework within which you can innovate.
- Embrace Challenges: Rather than viewing constraints as obstacles, see them as opportunities to think differently. Ask yourself, “What can I create within these limitations?”
- Think Small: Start with a micro-challenge, such as writing a story in six words or creating a meal with just three ingredients. Small constraints can lead to big ideas.
- Collaborate Within Limits: Working with others under shared constraints can lead to surprising synergies. Group brainstorming sessions with specific rules can yield more focused and creative results than open-ended discussions.
- Reframe the Problem: Constraints often force us to redefine the problem we’re trying to solve. Instead of asking, “How can I make this better?” ask, “How can I make this work within my limitations?”
