How did a crisis like COVID-19 in 2020 help bring creativity up front?

Not so long ago, the so-called norm of the COVID-19 pandemic was thought to be fiction. Working from home, locked in homes, working remotely for the day, navigating a social crisis in the history of the world, meeting with top executives in our night clothes and vice versa; no one would have thought that all of this would be real.

What did the pandemic unleash onto the world?

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 was a global crisis of an unprecedented scale. Apart from the loss of lives, human life was disrupted and interrupted badly. Economies and societal norms fell into disarray. Loss and hardship marked all this.

The period was a robust catalyst for helping bring in creativity, too. It was able to do so across various sectors. Limitations were forced, and there was an urgent need to adapt quickly to the situation at hand. Innovative solutions and fresh perspectives created were able to demonstrate the important role of creativity in navigating uncertainty and creating new paths.

Creative problem solving proved that necessity is the mother of invention

The sudden and severe restrictions that came in due to COVID-19 (especially the lockdowns and social distancing) wrecked everyone’s lives. It even necessitated rapid and creative problem solving at both individual, corporate, and societal levels.

How did business models have to adapt?

• Typical brick-and-mortar businesses faced threats due to the closure of many physical storefronts. It spurred a wave of creative ideas with many restaurants and eateries transitioning to online ordering and delivery. Retailers had to go online too and gyms began offering online sessions.

• The entertainment industry was also able to adapt. Musicians conducted virtual concerts, theaters streamed plays online, and museums began offering virtual tours. They found ways to engage audiences remotely.

Innovations made in the supply chain of organizations.

• Disruptions to global supply chains forced businesses to look for alternatives to source materials and deliver goods. Among the tactics used were exploring local suppliers, the Creation of new logistical tactics, and adapting production lines to produce only essentials.

The rise of digital connection and creativity in the digital sphere too

Physical interactions became limited. The digital realm became the sole space for communication, connection, and, of course, expression. 

The explosion of online content

• People who were confined to their homes turned to online platforms for entertainment, education, and also, connection. It led to a surge in user-generated content, from engaging Instagram stories to TikTok videos showcasing creativity, and creating innovative online learning platforms. Virtual social gatherings were also made.

• The demand for compelling digital content was able to spur creativity in graphic design, video production, and creation of online communities.

• Professionals from a logo design company Dubai explain that they were able to make creative logos until post-COVID-19 greyscale strategies ruined everything.

Innovations made in communication tactics

Businesses and companies had to look for creative ways to communicate with their customers and shareholders in an environment rapidly changing. This included developing messaging that was empathetic and informative at the same time. 

Social media platforms were utilized for providing real-time updates. Online experiences were created to help maintain connections among customers and users with care.

The line between digital and physical got blurred

The crisis also caused physical and digital experiences to be integrated quickly. Creative solutions helped bridge the gap. Here are some examples to consider:

• Contactless delivery services.

• Virtual try-on apps and tech for retail.

• Interactive online events that nearly mimicked in-person experiences.

• Company profile design services became easily accessible.

Helping foster empathy and human connection via creativity

The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of confusion, isolation, and uncertainty. Creativity helped play a key role in fostering empathy, connection, and also, a sense of community.

Art was used as a form of expression and to express resilience too

Artists across various fields used their creativity to process the events of the COVID-19 pandemic. They expressed collective emotions, and offered messages of hope and resilience via:

• Moving musical works and compositions.

• Insightful literature.

• Visual Art.

Community-driven initiatives

The crisis sparked numerous initiatives in the creative area aimed at supporting local communities. Neighbors organized virtual support networks, people made and shared numerous resources online, and artists used their skills in raising funds plus awareness for the needy.