Creative cognition is often presented as a series of internal processes such as convergent and divergent thinking. Theories of extended mind posit that cognitive processes extend beyond the body to encompass things and other people. When we expand the cognitive eco system in this way then it leaves room for accidents as a causal factor in creative inspiration - or serendipity. This presentation will introduce the notion of serendipity and describe its relationship to creative cognition.

Wendy Ross is a Senior Lecturer at London Metropolitan University. She is an experimental cognitive psychologist investigating how moments of accident can generate insightful solutions in problem solving. Her recent publications have explored serendipity from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. She is co-chair of the Serendipity Society and vice president of the Possibility Studies Network.