|
Home::Innovation
Creative Solutions Using 'What If?'
Author : Steve Gillman
For the most creative solutions you need to get your mind looking in new directions. One of the most systematic ways to do this, is with a list of words, primarily adjectives, to create "what if?" scenarios. The process starts with the question, "what if it was..." and then you insert a word from the list. "It" in the question is the problem you're working on, or the current solution or situation.
Let's explain the process with an example or two.
Example one: You have is an unpleasant co-worker. You aren't sure how to deal with him, so you ask about the problem, "What if it was..." and insert from the list "smaller." How could you make the problem smaller? Spend less time with that person? Get reassigned?
"What if it was... fun?" makes you wonder if being annoying yourself might keep the other person away from you. "Closer" makes you wonder if this person might be nicer to you if they knew you better. You continue down the list and work with each word a bit to get new ideas, which you will look at more analytically later.
Example two: Your house is too crowded because you're running your business from it. You ask, "What if it was..." and insert from the word list, "smaller." Your house is already too small, but could the business be smaller? The word "divided" might give you the idea to keep the business in just one part of the house.
Since most words on the list won't help, you can go through the irrelevant ones quickly. But don't automatically dismiss them without a few seconds consideration. "What if it was hopeless?" may seem like a useless question, or it may make you realize that you just can't keep the business in the house any longer. Moving into a rented office might be the most profitable of your creative solutions.
The Creative Solutions Word List
Feel free to create your own list of words. You'll want to use adjectives, descriptive phrases, and any words that can change your perspective. Here is a short list to get you started:
What if it was... larger, smaller, farther away, closer, sooner, later, easier, more difficult, higher, fat, rich, short, black, certain, hopeless, newer, boring, casual, subtracted from, cheaper, common, divided, more interesting, extravagant, subtle, or fun?
Just as with most problem solving techniques, it's important to allow the ideas to flow without judging them initially. You don't want to stifle the creative process. Take notes, then evaluate your ideas later, when you have a page full of creative solutions.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower and related topics for years. For more on How To Increase Brain Power, and to get the Brain Power Newsletter and other free gifts, visit: www.IncreaseBrainPower.com
Spam emails More free articles Related articles
|
More related feeds |
The difference between a creative genius and you.
Finding those solutions can be as easy as searching for inspiration, using a chart or graph, generating random connections from the problem to unrelated things, etc. If you want to solve problems like a creative genius, start thinking ...Making Popular Layout Decisions
Even if we had the technology to do so, I’m not convinced that we even know what the best solutions would be. Sure, there are plenty of opinions, but precious little study and still less experience. That may seem a strange thing to say ... File sharing for Creative Developers: Top 5 issues
3) Cost: If it costs an arm and a leg how can you take a picture? The days of paying large sums of money up front for software are thankfully coming to a close. Your file sharing solution should let you get started with no setup fees or ... Ways to SCAMPER for Your Job
Today, I'll apply the first three SCAMPER principles to problems found in the typical job search and see what creative solutions we can come up with ... 1) Substitute: How can you substitute something new in your job search efforts? ... N-Day Rally 2008
For the kind of money we’re paying, I would expect more creative solutions than telecommuting and provision of nursing rooms at the workplace are so simplistic. And extending and paying for extra 4 weeks of maternality week isn’t that ... Don't bring me solutions, bring me problems
It's true - suggesting solutions drives you to them, even if you would invent something more creative and smarter. If you hear about the possible solution to the given problem you are somewhat contaminated by it and it's really hard to ... High corner cabinet - interior solutions?
I now have the high corner cabinet proudly hanging in my kitchen and I'm wondering if any of you have creative solution for organizing the interior of this cab. I'm assuming regular lazy susans on each shelf will do the trick (I think ... Identity Integration Support Engineer III (Charlotte North ...
They are motivated and inspired every day by how their customers use their software to find creative solutions to business problems, develop breakthrough ideas and stay connected to what's most important to them. ... A Moment to Think
In reality, our insecurities and failure to identify our own strengths can be a real barrier to our success ... as can our fear of criticism of others if we fail. But take heart! Just about all of the most successful people in every ... Controlling Your Closet
I’m often surprised at just how much storage space there can be in a closet - you just have to be creative about how you use it. For instance, if your closet has only one rod, you can gain 50% more storage space by hanging another rod. ...
|
|
|
