Puzzle-Quests as a Tool for Developing Lateral Thinking

The paper in question examines problems related to the development of creativity as one of the personality traits crucial for modern students in the current educational and professional environment. The article focuses on analysing lateral thinking as one of the vital components of creativity, considers the techniques used to improve creative and lateral thinking, and factors hindering their development. Hence, we argue that clip thinking is the main obstacle modern students face that prevents progress in creativity. Thus we elaborate on the contrasting natures of clip and lateral thinking, considering their characteristics as mutually exclusive. To tackle the issue, a trainer simulator was developed in the Unreal Engine software. Its mechanics are organised with respect to the functioning of lateral thinking, outlined in theoretical data. Moreover, a survey based on the Cognitive Styles test, created on J. Bruner’s theory, was run to create a profile of the potential target audience. The results can be used in further research on the same topic, specifically for stating the connection between clip thinking development and creativity, as well as confirming or rejecting the hypothesis that people with a better developed creativity tend to opt for more unconventional approaches.