Design Thinking

There are many different ways to define what design thinking is, but i feel these two fit it best. Design thinking is the process of practical, creative resolution of problems or issues that looks for an improved future result.  A discipline that uses designers sensibility and methods to match peoples needs with what is technologically feasible and what a viable business can convert into customer value and market opportunity.
http://designthinking.ideo.com/?p=49
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_thinking

Here is a list of others ways to define design thinking : http://mootee.typepad.com/innovation_playground/2012/02/design-thinking-is-a-cognitive-and-intellectual-process-that-balances-the-rational-and-emotional-not.html

My understanding of "design skills" is that it is a way to measure the creative and personal abilities of a person when it comes to design. It doesn't have to be just with artistic design. It could lend itself to businesses, sports, journalism, television, and many other things. It can measure the ability of a persons way of communication an idea to someone as well.

Creativity, to me, is when someone puts their own spin and personality on something to make it unique and interesting to a large group of people. Creativity is something that comes naturally to every person. It's how we access that part of the brain and utilize that style of thinking that makes it more noticeable in certain people. Creativity is important to the success of a person because it is something that will set them apart from the rest of the people in their specific field. The webster style definition of the word is: the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns,relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful newideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality,progressiveness, or imagination.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/creativity