As a complement to the National Registry Summit’s sessions on micro-learning, effective delivery methods and video techniques, Summit attendees were treated to a unique and interactive session led by illusionist and New York Times (NYT) puzzle expert, David Kwong.

A noted magician, featured TED speaker and secret code consultant to NBC’s hit show, Blind Spot, Kwong kept audience goers engaged (and at times wowed) by conducting live demonstrations and introducing new methods of problem solving.  

Kwong shared that creativity can flourish when certain parameters and constraints exist. He illustrated this principle with a comparison to the New York Times (NYT) Crossword Puzzle. According to Kwong, humans function best when they are required to come up with the next big idea or innovative concept within set boundaries. He believes the NYT Crossword Puzzle is one of the best examples of being creative within constraints, as the NYT publishes a new puzzle 365-days a year with puzzles varying in size, theme and complexity.

With help from the audience, Kwong later created a puzzle in real time, teaching rules, problem solving strategies and magic words along the way, and encouraging the audience to think “inside the box” when solving the various clues. He also introduced what he calls, the “Ah ha!” moment. The “Ah ha!” moment is when one unlocks the puzzle as a solver. During this moment, simultaneous respect occurs for one’s self and for the puzzle creator for developing something clever.

The second concept Kwong introduced was cross pollination. Cross pollination involves incorporating one’s area(s) of expertise into a given set of parameters. Through cross pollination, Kwong used his expertise in puzzles and problem solving to strengthen his career as a magician.

Through Kwong’s insights, live demonstrations and illusions, National Registry Summit attendees discovered how their creativity can flourish and how innovation can be effectively achieved within parameters and constraints…and with a little magic!