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Unleashing Creativity: What UX Designers Can Learn from Children's Approach to Design

Writer's picture: Nell RodneyNell Rodney

Updated: Mar 13, 2024

Children are masterminds! They live a life dedicated to creating. From little girls playing with dolls, making dolls' clothes, food, appliances to cook the food, building the most extravagant doll houses from the simplest materials, to the little boys making race cars from juice boxes and bottle caps, using rubber bands to make whatever their minds can conceive, and everything in between, you know it they'll make it. Children are always scribbling something, drawing, writing, painting, making what we adults sometimes call,"a mess" but really, masterpieces. How many musicians and artists we know have said they've been exploring their creativity since they were like 2 years old?


Photo of child creating a picture featuring a box of crayons
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

...and then they (some of them) grow up.

They get introduced to the concept of failure. The feeling of insecurity. The idea of "What are you even doing? Leave it to the professionals."


If you would be more creative stay in part a child, with the creativity and invention that children before they are deformed by adult society.


image of paper balled up with the word "ideas" written on it
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Adult society can sometimes stifle children's creativity by imposing rigid structures, expectations, and norms that limit their freedom to explore and express themselves. The pressure to conform, standardized education systems, and an emphasis on productivity can discourage creativity and original thinking in children. Additionally, the focus on achievement and success can lead to a fear of failure, which can prevent children from taking risks and thinking outside the box.




So how does a childlike spirit encourage/ stimulate creativity?


Children are curious.

Curiosity plays a vital role in sparking creativity. This innate sense of wonder and desire to explore the world around them prompts children to ask questions, seek answers, and experiment with new ideas. This curiosity fuels their imagination and encourages them to think outside the box, leading to the development of innovative solutions and creative thinking skills.


Children have no preconceived notions or fear of failure.

The fear of failure can stifle creativity, preventing us from taking risks or trying new things. When we let go of this fear and embrace the possibility of making mistakes, we free ourselves to think more creatively and pursue unconventional ideas. Children's lack of preconceived notions and fears allows them to approach creativity with a sense of openness and curiosity. This freedom from self-imposed limitations enables children to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and experiment without fear of judgment or failure. Their uninhibited mindset not only enhances their ability to generate creative solutions but also encourages a sense of wonder and innovation that can lead to novel perspectives and breakthrough ideas. By embracing this freedom from preconceptions, children are able to tap into their innate creativity and discover endless possibilities for imaginative thinking and problem-solving.


Children play!

Children's natural inclination to play is a powerful driver of creativity. Through play, children are free to explore, experiment, and create without the fear of judgment or failure. This uninhibited sense of exploration fosters imagination, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking. By engaging in imaginative play, children are able to develop their creativity, leading to the generation of new ideas and the ability to think outside the box. Ultimately, play serves as a foundation for a child's creative development and nurtures their ability to approach challenges with curiosity and innovation.


Here's what to do.




Seek inspiration from children themselves and get a fresh approach to experimenting. Dismiss no idea as this will give us more to work with and improve upon. It will also encourages them to produce even more great ideas.


Engaging with young minds, observing their inhibited creativity, and learning from their fearless approach to problem-solving can inspire us to think more creatively and innovatively as adults. Embracing a child-like sense of wonder and and imagination can help us break free from limitations and create meaningful change in the world. By tapping into our inner child and remaining open to growth, we can unlock our full creative potential and shape a brighter future for ourselves and those around us.






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