Creative Blindness (And How To Cure It) by Dave Trott Summary

This book examines how individuals and organizations miss creative opportunities due to ingrained habits, offering solutions through real-life case studies. Dave Trott illustrates "corkscrew thinking"—approaching problems from unconventional angles—with examples like using humor to fix potholes and simplifying business models for success.

Marketers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in creative industries will gain actionable insights. It’s also valuable for anyone seeking to sharpen problem-solving skills, as Trott’s lessons apply to career growth, team collaboration, and personal innovation.

Yes—its blend of storytelling and practical advice makes it a standout resource. Readers praise its engaging anecdotes (like Colonel Sanders’ KFC origin story) and frameworks for reframing challenges. The book’s emphasis on simplicity and observation resonates across fields.

A method of solving problems by rejecting linear approaches. For example, a cyclist addressing potholes by spray-painting phallic symbols forced authorities to act quickly. Trott argues creativity lies in sidestepping conventions to trigger action.

The book teaches strategies like:

• Observing overlooked details (e.g., streamlining McDonald’s menu to focus on top sellers).
• Leveraging scarcity to drive demand.
• Simplifying messaging to cut through noise, as seen in Cadbury’s iconic Flake ads.

• “Creative blindness isn’t about lacking ideas—it’s about failing to see what’s already there.”
• “The best solutions are often the simplest, but simplicity is hard work.”
  These emphasize Trott’s philosophy of clarity and unconventional observation.

While Predatory Thinking focuses on competitive strategies, this book emphasizes perceptual shifts. Both use advertising anecdotes, but Creative Blindness prioritizes everyday applications, making it more accessible to non-specialists.

Absolutely. Trott’s examples—like placebo buttons illustrating perceived control—show how creative thinking reduces stress and improves decision-making. The principles help readers reframe challenges in relationships, hobbies, and self-improvement.

Some may find its advertising-heavy examples less relatable to non-business contexts. However, Trott’s storytelling ensures core ideas (e.g., simplicity, attention-grabbing) remain broadly applicable.

Though not explicitly mentioned, its emphasis on human-centric problem-solving (e.g., understanding motivation over data) offers a counterpoint to tech-driven solutions. Trott’s lessons on creativity as a “human unfair advantage” remain timely.

• Triage Thinking: Prioritizing efforts on solvable problems.
• The Scarcity Heuristic: Using limited availability to drive action.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Demonstrating ideas through relatable stories.

Its focus on human creativity as a differentiator aligns with growing concerns about AI automation. The book’s case studies on adaptability and clarity provide timeless tools for navigating change.