Developed by Graham Wallas (The Art of Thought, 1926).
A four-stage model of creative work (preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification) that counts stepping away from a fully loaded problem as part of the work.
When to reach for it
When direct effort on a hard problem has stalled and the choice is between pushing harder and loading the problem fully, then leaving it alone.
How it runs
- Work the problem hard until direct approaches run out.
- Step away on purpose: sleep, walk, or switch tasks.
- Capture any insight the moment it arrives.
- Test the insight against the problem and refine it.
- If it fails, return to preparation or incubation.
Where it sits in SOLVE eX
Go to the source
- The Art of Thought, Jonathan Cape, 1926