15 Feb Functional fixedness Functional fixedness is one of the mental blocks that can impede the creativity. Functional fixedness is the “tendency for one to perceive an object only in te

Functional fixedness Functional fixedness is one of the mental blocks that can impede the creativity. Functional fixedness is the “tendency for one to perceive an object only in terms of its common use”. Sometimes, we see an object only in terms of its name, rather than in terms of what it can do. For example, traditionally shopping centres were places where people want to buy something specific, until it was discovered in the mid-1990s that many people go shopping for entertainment. ‘Borders books and music’ discovered this new trend. Its shop on Orchard Road in Singapore offers a huge selection of books and compact discs, a caf and a bistro. The revolutionary thing about Borders is that, with its cosy armchairs and well-informed staff, it encourages shoppers to browse. Now that you know about the functional fixedness, try to think at least three unusual, fanciful but practical use for the below items. A sheet of paper; A candle; A nail; A spoon; A pair of socks;