According to an article written by Thia James and Janet Kuhnert "Out of the box" is an expression that describes nonconformal, creative thinking.
But what was really interesting is that the term is said to come from the famous puzzle created by early 20th century British mathematician Henry Ernest Dudeney who happens to be a pretty fascinating guy who wrote several books, including one filled with hundred of puzzles 
called Amusements in Mathematics. (Who knew there could be amusements in mathematics? I’m sure my nine-year-old would beg to differ.)
Anyway, the object of the puzzle (if you’ve never seen it before) is to interconnect nine dots in a three-by- three grid by using four straight lines drawn without the pencil leaving the paper. If you’ve never seen it before, definitely take a few minutes to see if you can figure it out. But don’t draw on your computer screen.
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The solution: In order to be successful, the puzzle solver has to realize that the boundaries of the dot array are psychological. The only way to solve the puzzle is to extend the lines beyond the artificial boundary created by the nine dots or to go “out-of-the box.”
The term boxed-in (having reduced, limited or forced choices) also relates to this idea. In the fast-paced world of technology, marketing and management, employers often say they are looking for someone who "thinks out of the box." If your organization doesn’t reward out-of-the-box thinkers, you will lose them – often to your competition.
My friend Matt White, Marketing and Communications Director for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, pointed out that, ironically, the term out-of-the-box has become a bit overused and therefore, not out-of-the-box. So, for Matt and everyone else here are some out-of-the-box ways to get outside the box...
non-conforming
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