Final answer:
Lateral thinking is the creative thinking process that enables someone to solve problems via an indirect and innovative approach, allowing for non-traditional solutions that are not based on step-by-step logic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of creative thinking characterized by a person who has the ability to look at a given situation or problem in a non-traditional way is known as lateral thinking. Lateral thinking is about reasoning that is not immediately obvious and about ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional step-by-step logic. It facilitates the ability to solve problems through an indirect and creative approach, typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.
Unlike critical thinking, which is about judging the validity or invalidity of information; analytical thinking, which focuses on breaking down complex information into smaller components; and abstract thinking, which involves thinking about things that are not actually present, lateral thinking encourages out-of-the-box solutions to problems.
In the context of creativity, lateral thinking is particularly valuable as it opens up the possibility of new solutions and innovations, rather than simply relying on conventional wisdom or established patterns of problem-solving.