Creative thinking techniques might seem a bit overwhelming at first when engineers are figuring out problems.

Many students often find it hard to think outside the box. This can limit their understanding of the problems they face. When this happens, they might come up with solutions that don't actually solve the main issues.

Here are some common challenges they might run into:

1. Mental Blocks: Sometimes, strict thinking stops engineers from seeing different viewpoints.
2. Fear of Failure: Worrying about breaking the rules can choke off new and creative ideas.
3. Lack of Collaboration: When teamwork is missing, it can lead to just one way of looking at the problem.

To help fix these issues, it’s important to create a friendly space for sharing ideas and encourage working with people from different fields. Using tools like mind mapping and scenario planning can help people look at problems from different angles. This can lead to better engineering solutions that really work.