Introduction: The Nature of the Problem in Everyday Problem Solving.
Nowadays, creative thinking is considered one of the core skills that every individual should possess in order to function even in a normal socio-economic environment as well as contribute to innovations. Whether you are in a corporate sector, educational field, or working on self-initiated projects, coming up with new ideas has to be a routine. In many cases, conventional methods have a finished picture that is nothing new; this is why seeking for such innovative approaches has become their useful advantage. In this article, we would like to present you seven methods for thinking out-of-the-box In Every Situation.
Method 1: Brainstorming Sessions With No Limits
Every individual is familiar with the brainstorming technique since it allows for untrammeled idea generation without any rules in place. There finger-in-the-air brainstorming session participants are encouraged to dream big and to ‘play’ by any rules, or lack thereof. This approach helps to eliminate psychological barriers, thereby contributing to an increase in the number of ideas that can be developed.
The most important part of effective brainstorming is protecting the contributions of the team members in such a way that ideas are shared. Provide a time limit to help keep concentration and aid in the spur of creativity. After all the points are collected, organize them and do away with the useless ones.
Authority Method 2: Mind Mapping to Generate Ideas and Concepts
- Each page comprises large rectangled boxes most of you have done in primary school like circles and squares but this particular diagram comprises the main idea at the centre.
- Expand into related concepts and further ideas.
- Draw lines, write and depict images of sorts as well as colors and symbols where there are relationships.
- Have a reconsideration of the map and search for patterns or new paths.
Authority Method 3: Opposite Brainstorming as a Way of Questioning Assumptions
Opposite thinking is a technique in which one takes a problem and considers the antonym of it; people are asked a different question than the solution. Instead of putting the question, “How do we fix this challenge” one poses the rather naive and odd question, “How can we worsen this issue?” This harsh way exposes most people from routine thinking and it is very useful for productive thinking.
Consider for instance if you want to enhance customer service. One could wonder “What would our actions be like if we want to make customers not to come back to us?” I mean when people are able to list these things not to do, that becomes fertile ground for other good things.
Authority Method 4: Use of Role Play and Changes of View Point
The best view about a problem is when one shuffles the views and tries to play roles in the case. You can “become” the organ itself, the concerned competition, the target customer, or anybody just above the crew including all chances to get sufficient barrier buster insights about the problem. Perspective changes also help in coming up with ideas which could actually fit the needed solutions but do not seem likely at first.
- Look at the problem from different angles.
- Chain reactions: Act out scenarios to see how other people would respond.
- Find new needs or problems that were previously neglected.
- Use these insights to generate new ideas.
Method 5: Technique SCAMPER Listener
The SCAMPER technique fosters creativity by asking you to look at your problem/scenario/product from seven different angles. SCAMPER in full means:
- Substitute: What can be replaced in this scenario through substitution?
- Combine: Can these two ideas/facts be combined to produce one better than the other?
- Adapt: How can this be adjusted for a different use?
- Modify: What would be changed to make it better?
- Put to another use: Is this possible in some other situation?
- Eliminate: What sections are superfluous?
- Reverse: So, what will happen if you try the opposite approach?
Method 6: Random Word or Object Association
This method involves picking a random word or object and associating it with your problem or challenge. A random word is one of the techniques which promotes different levels of creativity of thought. It helps people to shift their thought processes in ways that are unanticipated. For example, if you want to create a new product and the word umbrella comes to your brain, you will remember that protection from external factors could be built into the design of the use itself.
Random association is very useful when trying to overcome mental blocks. It is very creative and pushes your brain to think of ways of combining concepts that have different functions.
Method 7: Brainwriting – A Silent Quirkiest Way of Generating Ideas
Brainwriting is an alternate method of grabbing attention. In this instance, participants silently generate ideas, writing down their thoughts on paper and/or on a computer rather than saying them out loud. These are then circulated, or some of the participants collect these and extend on them. The drawback of this method is that one does not get instant reply on what one has contributed or an interruption occurs.
This technique enables people who are shy or those who need more time to present ideas to fully participate. It is also useful in cases where majority of people have loud and persuasive points so that the quieter members are unable to contribute, and therefore more ideas are generated.
Conclusion: Changes Matters To Foster Creative Thinking
Producing creative ideas does not happen with the use of normal thinking and certain ways of ideas generation, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, etc. Let alone reverse thinking and brainwriting, produced results appear to be copious. In cases on solving difficult problems or for the initiation of a new project, these methods prompt you to think differently and come up with acceptable solutions. Introduce them to develop your imagination and in return improve your outcomes.