I recently found some design class notes from college days gone by. Here are a few select tidbits:

When thinking about a design problem, go places. Somewhere you’ve never been, or just some place different.

Approach something as if you have never done it before.

Exaggerate—go to extremes

Create a list of words and phrases that boils the problem down to the essence of what needs to be communicated.

Visualize that brick wall you just hit.

Restate the problem in terms you can work from.

Take risks with no fear of failure.

Keep laughing!

Still relevant points. And I imagine they always will be.