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Case Study Analysis on Critical & Creative Thinking
Gregory Todd
ICT 200-001
University of Kentucky
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Case Study One
Steve Jobs, founder, and former CFO/CEO of Apple Inc, qualifies as a critical thinker,
who also thought creatively. Jobs was tasked with helping get the company back into shape in
1997 after Apple almost being bankrupt. He set the standard for the creative outlook for Apple,
quoting, “Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two
doubles. (2008a)” Jobs cared mostly about product quality and creativity. Looking at his last
major projects, the iPhone 5 and iOS 6, the dynamic skeuomorphism which was led by Jobs’
development team. Jobs possessed a rare blend of attention to detail and a big-picture vision that
allowed him to see possibilities where others saw limitations. His innovative approach to design,
user experience, and technology integration revolutionized industries, from personal computing
to music and mobile communication. Jobs' commitment to simplicity, elegant design, and
intuitive user interfaces showcased his creativity, and his ability to connect the dots between
seemingly disparate ideas was unparalleled. His impact on the tech industry and the way we
interact with technology stands as a testament to his critical and creative thinking abilities.
Case Study Two
Worldwide superstar, musician, 12-time Grammy winner, 23-time VMA winner, and the
music industry herself, Taylor Swift is classified as a very creative and critical thinker. Swift
facing multiple obstacles and controversies in her career, has constantly been able to bounce
back even better than before. She and many other female artists must change constantly so
people will still support them. “The female artists that I know of have reinvented themselves 20
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times more than the male artists. They have to... or else you're out of a job. Constantly having to
reinvent, constantly finding new facets of yourself that people find to be shiny. (2020, Miss
Americana)” Most notably, her innovative comeback in late 2017 with her album reputation,
after the issues with the 1989 controversy surrounding “Bleachella,” caused her to become more
of a worldwide success. “During seclusion from public appearances, Swift wrote reputation as a
"defense mechanism" against the rampant media scrutiny targeting her and a means to revamp
her state of mind.” The now infamous Twitter trend, #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty, forced her to go
into hiding, and recreate who she was as a person, due to people harassing her over things she
did not say or do. “She said in a 2019 Rolling Stone interview that she followed the songwriting
for her 2014 lead single from the 1989 album, "Blank Space", which satirizes the criticism
targeting her for dating "too many people" in her twenties, and wrote Reputation from the
perspective of a character that others believed her to be. (Wikipedia)” Her ability to re-invent
herself and come back without being upset at the few people who caused this all to happen,
shows her creative thinking and her critical thought process on how she innovated, and saved her
reputation.
Case Study Three
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, is a prime example of a critical and creative thinker, reshaping
both the company and the tech industry. He once stated, "Innovation is not about changing things
for the sake of changing them. It's about solving problems," reflecting his commitment to
transformative problem-solving. Apple's global supply chain is managed by Cook with great
efficiency and profitability thanks to his critical thinking. In addition to his meticulous attention
to detail, he has optimized Apple's process. At the same time, Cook's creative thinking shows in
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Apple's expanded product line. Under his leadership, the Apple Watch and a thriving services
ecosystem emerged, while maintaining Apple's signature design and user experience standards.
In response to complex challenges and evolving markets, Cook has consistently demonstrated
adaptability and innovation. His foresight in addressing emerging trends, such as privacy and
sustainability, ensures Apple's continued relevance. Tim Cook's legacy as a critical and creative
thinker is evident in his actions, solidifying Apple's role as a technology powerhouse. With his
ability to navigate uncharted territory while maintaining core values, he makes sure that his
influence will last for as long as he’s CEO.
Case Study Four
Coding shows my problem-solving skills. It all began when I encountered a technical
glitch in Subway Surfers. My approach was to see it as a creative puzzle waiting to be solved. I
wanted to fix the problem and optimize the game. It led to the game running smoothly and
passing my expectations. I'm known for my creative problem-solving. I don't see challenges as
hurdles; I see them as opportunities for innovation. Whether it's improving code efficiency or
devising inventive solutions to technical constraints, my creativity shines through every step of
the way. One of my defining qualities is optimism. I can find the silver lining in any situation.
Challenges, for me, are invitations to learn and grow. This "can-do" attitude fuels my motivation
and inspires those around me to approach difficulties with a positive mindset. It takes
determination and exceptional talents at a young age to become a creative thinker and problem
solver. My accomplishment in coding Subway Surfers' API, my problem-solving acumen, and
my optimistic outlook underscore my potential to make a substantial impact in the tech world.