Techniques for Creative Thinking ("?)

Collectively, there are several hundred techniques published in books by Michael Michalko, Andy Van Gundy, James Higgins, Dilip Mukerjea and others. Techniques are like tools in a workshop, with different tools for different parts of the creative process. For example, there are techniques for defining a problem, exploring attributes of a problem, generating alternatives, visual explorations, metaphors, analogies, and evaluating and implementing ideas. Here is a small selection of techniques:


Random Input
Problem Reversal
Ask Questions
Applied Imagination - Question Summary
Lateral Thinking
Six Thinking Hats
The Discontinuity Principle
Checklists
Brainstorming
Forced Relationships/Analogy
Attribute Listing
Morphological Analysis
Imitation
Mindmapping
Storyboarding
Synectics
Metaphorical thinking
Lotus Blossum Technique
In the realm of the senses
Use of drawing (from Robert McKim's Experiences in Visual Thinking
IdeaToons (by Michael Michalko)
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Techniques
Assumption Smashing
DO IT! method of Roger Olsen
LARC Method
Unconscious Problem Solving


Simplex - a "complete" process with three stages (finding problems,solving problems, implementing solutions) and eight discrete steps represented as a wheel to reflect the circular, perennial nature of problem solving. The full name is the Basadur Simplex process. Its eight steps include: problem finding, fact finding, problem defining, idea finding, evaluating and selecting, action planning, gaining acceptance, and taking action. The t
The TRIZ method of Semyon D. Savransky


Fuzzy Thinking
Some further examples of creativity techniques and guidelines linked with historical examples.


Breakthrough Thinking - The seven steps of uniqueness, purpose, solution after next, systems, needed information collection, people design, and betterment timeline.


http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative/Techniques/index.html

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