By Carla Noelle Perfecto A Crash Course on Creativity 2012

Think like a

Traveler

Solenad 2 Nuvali Sta Rosa, Philppines

Today’s Goal: to think like a

traveler Try staring at a friend’s face longer than usual – notice how it seems to change right in front of your eyes. As if you were seeing their face for the very first time.

To feed our creativity, we need to cultivate the habit of being aware, open, and observant.

Long term goal – be everyday travelers where everything is interesting and full of possibility!

For this exercise, I visited a strip mall in my neighborhood. There were a few stores that had just opened and some I had never been to – so I thought

it would be a great chance to start!

Welcome to Solenad 2, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines!

As you enter, you are greeted with the generic, “Great day, Ma’am/Sir! Welcome to Asics!”

They had a combination of modern and retro styles lined up in rows, neatly stacking the stock above and below for easy access.

Opportunity: the smaller sized shoes were stacked on the top shelves and the bigger ones at the bottom when they should be stacked the REVERSE!

Store #1 ASICS

Store # 2

GRIND

View and present things from different angles and who knows

what you will find!

I loved the way they mounted the long boards to showcase the art underneath.

The store encourages customers to try the long board which was just laying around – so I got to try long boarding

for the first time!

Lesson: You won’t know whether you like it or

not until you try.

Keep an eye open for small details -

triangular mirrors mounted on the walls made what would have been a bare corner interesting.

Store # 3 Stoked inc

Before entering, you’ll notice huge signs that draw you in. The store was dimly lit and music was blasting in the background. There was a lot of empty space between the clothes hanging on the wall and the aisles.

I was trying to keep note -- black walls, high ceiling, clothes rack way too high that the clothes are inaccessible – then hidden behind all that – I find a potential sponsor for our Dragon Boat Rowing Team UNIFORM!

Stores # 4–Purple Oven

The lattice work on the façade allows you to peep in, enticing you to enter. An open door lures you closer with the whiff of the baked goodies.

> only wish they sold slices of the cakes or had taste tests.

> They used the same tong to pick up the cream coated bread bun and placed it on the wax paper which dirtied the wax paper you would use later

on to keep your fingers cream free! IRONIC!

Store # 5 ISPA

Decided to try out the spa – I have to admit I was starting to feel saturated with all the information and I wanted to release some of the tension building up on my back.

Instead of candles to light the massage room, they used laser lights to give the illusion of shooting stars, in line with their outer space theme.

The dry subtle taste of tea, the creaminess of the milk, and the sweetness of brown sugar all in one sniff as you walk through the door.

While I was lingering with indecision to try something new, a biker chic in her mid-20’s entered the store and headed straight to the counter as if on a mission. She ordered her usual drink – Wintermelon Milktea - but it wasn’t available. She cussed, stomped her feet, and left in a huff. Four ladies entered and wanted the same drink. This time the guy behind the counter offered them the other flavors. Took them another 5 minutes to decide what they were going to get.

Opportunity: Let them TASTE the other tea flavors and let the product and their preference speak for themselves!

Store # 6 SERENITEA

1. Observe without being over critical 2. Being aware & open takes effort & focus

3. Be subtle – people are aware you’re watching!

AHA Moments!