Divergent vs convergent thinking

Neuroscience measured creativity.

Turns out it's not one thing.

It's 2 different dopamine circuits that can't run at the same time.

(based on Chermahini & Hommel's research on dopamine and creative thinking)

The first is divergent thinking

The playing mode.

Your brain radiates outward from a single stimulus and generates possibilities without filter.

This runs on the same dopamine circuit as physical movement.

That's why your best ideas come while walking.

The second is convergent thinking

The evaluating mode.

You focus, eliminate, and look for the one combination that actually works.

Different dopamine pathway. Different brain state.

You cannot explore and evaluate at the same time.

It's gas and brake together.

But that's exactly what most teams do.

They start brainstorming.

Then someone reacts and switches to judgment mode.

Brainstorm becomes argument and endless conversations.

Divergence dies before it's done.

The fix is simple: separate the two phases.

Phase 1: diverge

No reactions. No ranking. No "yes but." Go wide. No idea is too far.

Phase 2: converge

Different energy. Focus. Eliminate. Pressure-test what survived.

This is the foundation of the Design Thinking double diamond.

Are you exploring or judging?

Is your team doing both at the same time?

Source: Huberman Lab podcast, on Chermahini and Hommel’s research on dopamine and creative thinking