The Universal Traveler: A Soft-Systems Guide to Creativity, Problem-Solving, and the Process of Reaching Goals

by Don Koberg, Jim Bagnall

This unique book will open your eyes to effective and stimulating formulas for solving problems. Discover how techniques developed in specialized disciplines can be applied to almost any business, social, or personal situation. This unique book will open your eyes to effective and stimulating formulas for solving problems. Discover how techniques developed in specialized disciplines can be applied to almost any business, social, or personal situation.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Philosophy, Writing, Personal Development

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Joe Hinds]

I found UT at a used book store in Stockbridge, MA in 2005. I bought it because of the quirky art and layout. I appreciate the book for the process it gives for creative problem-solving and design. I have the 1973 edition and understand there are later editions, but there is a unique charm to 73, take a look at it if you can.

[Harry Van Der Velde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still the best introduction to a way of thinking that combines control and creativity. It is still one of the foundations of my professional approach. A universal tool indeed.

[Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I have ever read when i was in solitude that helped me understand my self better and manage my thoughts to focus on the key inner issue that was messing up my mind. It is great I think I am emotionally attached to it

[irfan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given that this is rather an old book, it is surprising how some of the ideas mentioned in it are still relevant up to this very day. I guess it must have been one of the more innovative books of its time, minus the snazzy graphics and colourful images that seems to be the order of the day nowadays. Nonetheless, the book could do with a little bit more updates in certain aspects especially in detailing some techniques and ideas to its readers. But of course it doesn't help that a visual person like me will find the book a little too long-winded, but taking all that notion, it is actually quite a good reference book. But personally I would prefer it to be updated with the current trends in innovation and creativity, and perhaps putting in more examples towards how some of these things can be applied in real-life problem solving, lest it becomes just a mere academic bible towards the methods of being creative and innovative, without the essence of HOW to apply it.

[Patrick O'Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "self-help" book with it's very funky style and crazy organization is not for everyone.

It is a book chocked full of ideas for stimulating and possibly understanding the creative process.

But unlike other "self-help" books which are little more than "what worked for me will work for you too", this book takes a "shotgun" approach. Throwing everything out there and letting you pick and choose what may, or may not, work for you.

This book helped me understand how I personally solve problems and stimulated my interest in the art of Heuristics.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 60's contents and graphics may be distracting for younger readers.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an odd book. It is laid out in space race format, with steps and lists of "how-to" suggestions. Not quite sure what to make of it, as it wasn't a smooth read.

[Tacco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like not much has changed in the creative process since the 70s. Would love to see this one updated to 2018 though....

[Matt Gorbet]

CREATIVITY

Hello, this is my review of
it is fun.

[Aliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring. It's relevant to so many of my "modern" work tactics (design thinking; agile software development; use experience research). It helps me keep going through a spiny problem! I also love the exercises for speaking creativity.

[RLD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Architect professors writing about how they think. It is really just a book of lists with funky, distracting, illustrations. There are some good references.
I first got this book in 1974 for an MBA class at UCLA. I made some marks in it but didn't read all of it. Now I know why.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread when I'm seeking creativity

[nes]

this was actually one of the nicest and easy to read self help books because it doesn’t touch towards a specific person and/category

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Universal Traveler is an excellent reference for all creative and/or problem-solving ventures. It dispels the myth that creativity is a gift only to some at birth and convincingly outlines how it is, instead, a learnable behavior, able to become a lifelong habit. Koberg and Bagnall take the reader on a 'journey' through the seven steps of the design/problem-solving process in short and sweet sketches, aptly anticipating some of the complications and unforeseen detours inherent in the design process, and offer an array of helpful methods, including a list of references for a more thorough read on each of the seven steps.

[Mallory Schroth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to get you thinking creatively. It gives you lots of different ideas --- Freedom from pride, belief in yourself and renewing the child in you.

It's written in such a unique way that it keeps you interested. I took lots of notes - especially of the creativity games they suggest at the end.

[Richard B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good read about different methods of accomplishing tasks. Like a toolkit in book form. Some of the techniques are well worn and very familiar to most people but there is a lot of good new ideas too. One of those books that you'll probably keep coming back to.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected, but I loved this quick read through the design process. It is one of the few books that I actually wished I owned a copy to take down from the shelf when I need a little push or inspiration. I can see the threads that inspired and informed the work of David Kelly and others.

[michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful.

[Jono Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard this is a popular book among those at IDEO so I thought I'd pick it up.

Pretty interesting stuff, and some cool old graphic design

[Mary Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

No question why this remains the top pick for organizations like IDEO. Full of ideas about how to brainstorm and stoke the creative fires.

[Angela Randall]

Mentioned in Seth Godin's TED Conversations thread about overlooked book gems.

[Lindsey Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It deals with creative problem solving and outside the box thinking. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to think creatively!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

design is the process of making dreams come true ..
indeed
this is a book to never stop reading

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the process of development. Highly recommended.

[Matthew Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

good kick-starter guide to creative problem solving. be sure to get the "updated classic" edition for super groovy layout and more relevant references/footnotes.

[Mhighst · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend, pivotal in my art career and art creation. One of the best college classes I took was around this book. Learn how to think, problem solve, and brainstorm…etc

[Calvino]

An excellent, classic book on design process.