Ingenuity

Origin

Middle English ingenyous, from Middle French ingenieus, from Latin ingeniosus, from ingenium natural capacity

1: obsolete : showing or calling for intelligence, aptitude, or discernment
2: marked by especial aptitude at discovering, inventing, or contriving
3: marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution <an ingenious contraption>

Ingenuity refers to the process of applying ideas to solve problems or meet challenges. The process of figuring out how to cross a mountain stream using a fallen log, build an airplane from a sheet of paper, or start a new company in a foreign culture all involve the exercising of ingenuity. Human ingenuity has led to technological developments through applied science, but can also be seen in the development of new social organizations, institutions and relationships. Ingenuity involves the most complex human thought processes, bringing together our thinking and acting both individually and collectively to take advantage of opportunities or to overcome problems.

Context is important because solving a problem requires that we imagine a range of possible solutions, assess what is available to us in our context, and then proceed with some course of action. Ingenuity isn't a linear process but involves various dimensions of human cognition, intention, learning and the creation of novelty. These processes interact with each other as we try out ideas, fail, learn, modify, and try again.[1]