There are 4 distinct stages in creative process (Wallas, 1926)
Preparation- This consists of purposeful study and enquiry in order to gather experience and information which are needed to solve the problem. It is also known as period of accumulating factual knowledge, skills or basic ideas.
Incubation- Once the preparatory stage is over, there seems to be a period of lull or rest period. The necessary facts are gathered and they are to be applied to the heart of the problem. This application of the idea may not appear immediately. During this period some kind of unconscious activity is going on although he may seek relaxation from conscious effort. A period of frustration in which the thinker may turn to other tasks attends each discovery. Somehow the mind continues its search; it seeks to uncover new relationships among familiar ones.
Illumination- Suddenly the idea, solution or the new relationship materializes. All the facts fall into place. Vital new methods, data or relationships become clear to the thinker. During this period the meaningful material comes to forefront and includes the psychological events and accompanies the appearance of flash of insight.
Verification- The idea is new and appealing. It has exciting possibilities. During this period the idea must be tested and verified. During this stage, the thinker rethinks revises and refines the solution. Thus in this stage the produced object gets the final form after testing the validity of its concepts.
Preparatory stage
Sensitivity to problems, openness to experience, adventurousness, willingness to explore, interest in new ideas, experimentation
Highly sensitive person becomes more involved in these experiences until he find new forms of ideas
Period of incubation/ accumulation/ searching
It follows the initial sensibility or preparation.
It begins to act to fulfillment, organize and refine his increasing storage of experience
Period of Illumination
A movement of creative-‘Insight” or illumination
Period of confirmation/ verification
It is necessary to complete the creative art.
The new insights / ideas needs testing again and again
Participants