I only recently cam across TRIZ – a (Russia-originated) problem solving and creativity guide for ‘the rest of us’ – those who are not creative by nature.  Part of its ‘secret’ is that it is built ‘on the shoulders of giants’ – an analysis of past patents and patent applications from which it draws out ‘innovative principles’.

So, to solve a problem you simply (?) decide what type of problem it is, find which general category it falls into, see what people have done in the past – and identify the broad category of solution; apply this broad solution to your problem to create your solution, your new product or whatever.

This is a relatively analytical approach to creativity – whoever would have thought that was possible,

Such an approach may or may not suit you and your team – but I recommend you read up and try it. You have little to lose – and you might dramatically improve your creativity.