Why take this course?

Because creativity isn't all in your head

This 1-hour on-demand course will introduce you to the science of creativity-driven design and how it can help you boost idea flow at work, school, and home. Filled with practical tips for shaping every size and type of space. Topics include color, furnishings, lighting, sound, artwork and decor, materials and finishes, plantscaping and room planning. Previous design expertise not required. Architects and interior designers are welcome to take this version of the course if no continuing education credits are needed.

Course curriculum

  • 1
    Welcome
    • Tour the course player
    • Pre-course survey
  • 2
    Creativity and Environmental Psychology
    • Defining Creativity and Innovation
    • The Psychology of Space
  • 3
    Creativity Tactics Group One: Appearance
    • Color
    • Color, Space and Creativity
    • Views, Ceilings, and Art
    • Furnishings
    • Furnishings (continued)
    • Nature and Creative Space
    • Test Your Learning: Modules 1 and 2
  • 4
    Creativity Tactics Group Two: Ambience
    • Lighting and Sound
    • Test Your Learning: Module 3
  • 5
    Creativity Tactics Group Three: Action
    • Action Spaces
    • The 7 Attributes of Creative Thinking
    • Test Your Learning: Module 4
  • 6
    The Place for Creativity
    • Where We Get the Most (and Best) Ideas
  • 7
    Course Close-out
    • Where do I go from here?
    • Now tell me what you really think

Is this course right for me?

Yes, if you're a...

Creative professional, designer, writer, Sunday painter, educator, innovation consultant, maker, business visionary, researcher, psychologist, parent, tech guru, hobbyist, or anyone who enjoys solving problems for pleasure or profit

About the Instructor

  • Donald M. Rattner, Architect

    Donald M. Rattner, Architect

    Instructor

    Donald M. Rattner, AIA helps organizations and individuals optimize creative thinking in workplace, learning, residential, wellness, hospitality, and commercial environments. Educator and author as well as practitioner, Rattner has taught at the University of Illinois, New York Academy of Art, New York University, and Parsons School of Design. Workshop and lecture venues include NeoCon, Creative Problem Solving Institute, Creative Mornings, AIA state chapter events, and many others. Among his publications are the award-winning My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation, The Creativity Catalog, Parallel of the Classical Orders of Architecture, entries in professional reference books, and numerous contributions to print and online channels. His work has been featured on CNN and in such publications as The New York Times, Town & Country, Robb Report, Residential Architect, Builder, Traditional Building Magazine, L-Magazine, and Design Milk. Rattner holds a BA in art history from Columbia and an MArch from Princeton.